The Citation XLS is a mid-size business jet that seats up to 8 passengers

The Cessna Citation XLS is a twin-engine jet designed for business travel and charter flights. It carries a maximum of 8 people — typically 6 passengers plus 2 crew members, though some configurations seat 7 passengers with 1 crew member. The aircraft is pressurized, meaning it can fly at high altitudes where the cabin air is controlled for comfort, and it operates on jet fuel rather than the aviation gasoline that smaller planes use.

The XLS is a step up from smaller Citation models in terms of range and cabin space, but it is smaller and less expensive to operate than the larger Citation X or the ultra-long-range jets. It is commonly used by companies for executive travel, by charter operators who rent it to passengers by the flight hour, and by individuals who own or fractionally own one through a shared-ownership program.

Key Takeaways

  • The Citation XLS holds 8 people total, including crew, with a typical passenger load of 6.
  • It is a pressurized twin-engine jet that can fly at altitudes above 43,000 feet and cruise at around 500 miles per hour.
  • The aircraft has a range of roughly 2,000 nautical miles, meaning it can fly from the East Coast to the Midwest or from California to the Southwest without refueling.
  • Operating costs run between $3,500 and $5,000 per flight hour, depending on fuel prices, maintenance, and crew expenses.
  • You can use a Citation XLS through charter companies, fractional ownership programs, or by leasing one long-term.

Cabin size and passenger comfort

The XLS cabin is 20 feet long and 5 feet 8 inches wide, which is noticeably larger than light jets but smaller than heavy jets. Passengers sit in individual seats that typically recline, and the cabin is tall enough to stand up in without ducking. The pressurization system keeps the cabin altitude at roughly 8,000 feet even when the plane is flying at 43,000 feet, which reduces fatigue on longer flights.

The cabin includes a galley (a small kitchen area) where a flight attendant can prepare drinks and light snacks, and a lavatory. On longer flights, some operators add a crew rest area — a small bunk where a pilot can sleep during a flight with two crew members. The interior can be customized with different seating layouts, carpet, lighting, and cabin management systems, so the experience varies depending on who owns or operates the specific aircraft.

Range, speed, and fuel consumption

The Citation XLS has a maximum range of about 2,000 nautical miles with 4 passengers and fuel reserves. That translates to roughly 2,300 statute miles, or about 3.5 hours of flying time. With a full load of 8 people, the range drops to around 1,500 nautical miles. The aircraft cruises at a typical speed of 450 to 500 miles per hour, though it can fly faster in short bursts.

Fuel consumption is roughly 200 to 250 gallons per hour, depending on altitude, weight, and weather. Jet fuel costs vary by location and market conditions, but at typical prices, fuel for a 3-hour flight runs between $1,500 and $2,000. When you add crew costs, maintenance reserves, landing fees, and handling fees, the total cost per flight hour typically falls between $3,500 and $5,000.

How to use a Citation XLS without buying one

Most people who fly on a Citation XLS do not own one. Charter companies own fleets of these aircraft and rent them by the flight hour to anyone who books them. You contact a charter broker, tell them your route and passenger count, and they quote you a price — usually between $4,000 and $6,000 per flight hour, which includes the aircraft, crew, fuel, and insurance. The broker handles scheduling, crew coordination, and logistics.

Fractional ownership is another option. You buy a share of an aircraft — typically 1/16th to 1/2 of the plane — through a company like NetJets or Flexjet. You pay an upfront purchase price, a monthly management fee, and an hourly fee when you fly. This model works well if you fly 100 to 400 hours per year and want may provide availability and consistent service. Leasing is a third option: you rent the aircraft for a set period, usually one to five years, and pay a monthly fee plus hourly operating costs.

Maintenance and operating requirements

The Citation XLS requires regular inspections and maintenance to stay airworthy. The aircraft must pass an annual inspection, and certain components have time-between-overhaul limits — meaning they must be rebuilt or replaced after a certain number of flight hours. The engines, for example, typically need overhaul around 3,500 to 4,000 flight hours. These costs are substantial and are one reason why charter and fractional ownership programs spread the expense across multiple users.

The aircraft also requires a crew of at least one pilot and one flight attendant for passenger flights, though two pilots are standard on longer routes. Pilots must hold a commercial license with a multi-engine jet rating and pass recurrent training and proficiency checks every six months. These crew costs are built into charter prices and fractional ownership fees.

Citation XLS versus other mid-size jets

The Citation XLS competes with aircraft like the Bombardier Learjet 60, the Hawker 800, and the Embraer Phenom 300. The Learjet 60 is slightly faster and has a longer range, but it is older and less comfortable. The Hawker 800 is a popular used aircraft with lower operating costs but less modern avionics. The Embraer Phenom 300 is newer, more fuel-efficient, and has a larger cabin, but it costs more to charter.

The Citation XLS sits in the middle of this group in terms of speed, range, and comfort. It is reliable, has a good safety record, and parts and maintenance are widely available. For companies that fly 200 to 400 hours per year and need to move 6 to 8 people across the continental United States, it is often the most cost-effective choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to charter a Citation XLS for one flight?

Charter prices typically run between $4,000 and $6,000 per flight hour, depending on the operator, the route, and current fuel prices. A 3-hour flight from New York to Miami would cost roughly $12,000 to $18,000. Some operators quote a minimum flight time of 2 hours, so even a 1-hour flight may be billed at 2 hours.

Can a Citation XLS fly across the country?

Yes, but not without a stop. With a full load of 8 passengers, the range is about 1,500 nautical miles, which covers roughly half the continental United States. A coast-to-coast flight would require one refueling stop. With fewer passengers or lighter cargo, the range increases, and some routes can be flown nonstop.

What is the difference between a Citation XLS and a Citation X?

The Citation X is a larger, faster, longer-range aircraft. It seats up to 12 people, cruises at 500+ miles per hour (faster than the XLS), and has a range of about 3,500 nautical miles. It costs significantly more to charter — typically $6,000 to $8,000 per hour — and is used for longer international trips or when more space is needed.

Do I need a special license to fly in a Citation XLS?

No. As a passenger, you need only a valid government ID. The pilots and crew hold the required licenses and certifications. If you own a fractional share, you do not need a pilot's license unless you plan to fly the aircraft yourself, which requires extensive training and certification.