Citation Excel

Cessna announced the project at the NBAA convention in October 1994. The prototype first flew on February 29, 1996, and the FAA certified the aircraft in April 1998. Twin PW545A engines and a Honeywell Primus 1000 cockpit define this generation.

The Excel was not designed from a blank sheet. Cessna took the Citation X's cabin, itself derived from the Citation III, and shortened it by about two feet.

That shortened cabin was mated to a wing based on the Citation S/II, using a supercritical airfoil. The tail came from the Citation V. Three proven designs combined into one genuinely new aircraft.

The Excel is the first chapter in a family that continues today. Each generation kept the core airframe and made one focused change.

If a newer generation is quoted, see our separate Citation XLS Gen2 page for its own specs and pricing.

Short-field performance and a steep-approach capability let the Excel access airports many midsize jets cannot reach. Cannes, Lugano, and Bern are real examples, along with London City Airport's demanding steep approach.
This access matters more than a spec sheet number. It puts passengers closer to their actual destination instead of a distant regional hub.

A midsize jet trades some efficiency for more cabin room, range, and passenger capacity than a light jet offers.

• More cabin room: a genuine stand-up cabin and generous baggage capacity for its size.
• More seats: up to 9 passengers versus 4 to 6 for most light jets.
• More range: 1,860 nautical miles versus 1,100 to 1,400 nm for most light jets.
• Best mission: regional and transcontinental trips for groups wanting proven performance and short-field access.

The Citation Excel can carry up to nine passengers, though standard layouts usually seat eight in a four-seat club plus two individual forward seats configuration.

• Large windows and reclining seats provide genuine legroom throughout the cabin.
• A minibar area near the cockpit is standard on most configurations.
• An enclosed lavatory supports longer trips.
• Some aircraft have been retrofitted through the Excel Eagle interior refresh program.

The Excel performs best on regional and transcontinental routes where cabin comfort and short-field access matter alongside range.

Citation Excel charter rates typically run $3,500 to $5,000 per flight hour, with variation by operator and aircraft equipment. Total one-way trip pricing depends on route distance, positioning, and demand. 

Contact Hogani Jets at charter@hoganijets.com or +1-855-660-0573 for a current quote.

The hourly rate covers core operational costs. Additional fees are quoted separately on every trip.

• Aircraft operation: fuel, crew, and maintenance are included in the hourly rate.
• Two certificated pilots: standard for Citation Excel charter operations.
• Federal excise tax and segment fees: federally mandated, quoted separately.
• Positioning costs: charged if the aircraft must reposition to your departure airport.
• International handling fees: apply on Caribbean, Canada, and other international hops.

Contact Hogani Jets for current pricing and details.

The most common cross-shop comparisons are the Citation XLS Gen2 and the Hawker 750. The XLS Gen2 is its own newest-generation successor; the Hawker 750 is a similarly sized midsize jet. The Excel wins on hourly cost.

Every Citation Excel charter operator's Part 135 certificate, insurance coverage, and safety record is independently reviewed before booking. 

The Excel carries Honeywell Primus 1000 avionics, with some individual aircraft upgraded to Garmin G5000. Hogani Jets does not operate the aircraft. 

Every charter is conducted by a licensed Part 135 direct air carrier under that carrier's independent operational control.

The Excel is a strong fit on regional and transcontinental legs where short-field access matters most. The following Hogani Jets route pages cover its most relevant charter corridors.

• New York to Miami private jet charter
• Dallas to Aspen private jet charter
• Miami to the Bahamas private jet charter

Ready to book a Citation Excel charter or check availability? Contact Hogani Jets for a tailored quote. 

Call +1-855-660-0573 or email charter@hoganijets.com, and our team will coordinate the right aircraft and operator for your trip.

How much does it cost to charter a Citation Excel?

Citation Excel charter rates typically run $3,500 to $5,000 per flight hour. Final cost depends on route, positioning, and season.  You can expect pricing for short legs to begin at $11,000 and for longer regional legs, $21,500+.

What is the difference between the Citation Excel and the Citation XLS Gen2?

The Excel is the original 1998 platform with Honeywell Primus 1000 avionics. The XLS, XLS+, and XLS Gen2 each refined the engines and cockpit over 24 years. The core airframe stayed the same throughout.

How many passengers can the Citation Excel carry?

The Excel seats up to nine passengers, typically eight in a four-chair club and pair configuration.

What airports can the Citation Excel access that other jets cannot?

Its short-field and steep-approach performance opens up airports like Cannes, Lugano, and Bern. London City is another real example most midsize jets cannot reach directly.

What is the real range of a Citation Excel?

Published figures show up to 1,860 nautical miles. Realistic range with a full passenger load runs somewhat lower, depending on weather and routing.

Does the Citation Excel have a stand-up cabin?

Yes, at approximately 5 feet 7 inches of cabin height, most passengers can stand comfortably.

Are empty leg flights available on the Citation Excel?

Yes. The Citation Excel's widespread charter fleet presence creates empty-leg opportunities at meaningful savings off standard one-way rates. Availability is short-notice and date-fixed, so Hogani Jets recommends flexibility when chasing empty-leg pricing.

Is Hogani Jets a direct air carrier?

No. Hogani Jets is an air charter broker and does not own or operate aircraft. All Citation Excel charters are facilitated through licensed Part 135 direct air carriers, holding full operational and regulatory control.