Cessna Citation XLS/XLS+

The Citation XLS was built to handle like a much smaller, nimbler jet while delivering a true midsize cabin, a combination that made it one of the best-selling midsize jets ever produced. The original XLS was in production from 2004 to 2008, after which Cessna introduced the upgraded XLS+ with improved engines and avionics, which remains in production today. Hogani Jets quotes both under a single entity, since charter clients experience the same cabin, range, and pricing on either variant.

Twin Pratt & Whitney PW545B engines and a trailing-link landing gear system with high-capacity carbon brakes give the XLS smooth handling on both takeoff and landing, while a triple-sealed cabin door and triple-pane windows keep cabin noise low. It suits medium-haul domestic trips where a stand-up-adjacent cabin and a strong safety record matter as much as range.

The Citation XLS entered production in 2004 and was succeeded by the upgraded XLS+ in 2008, which remains in production today and added more powerful engines along with an upgraded Rockwell Collins ProLine 21 avionics suite over the original XLS's Honeywell Primus 1000. Both carry the engineering reputation of Cessna, a Kansas-based manufacturer in continuous operation since 1927 and now part of Textron Aviation.

The Citation XLS is known among pilots for handling like a much smaller jet despite its midsize cabin, a result of its short 3,560-foot takeoff distance, trailing-link landing gear, and high-capacity carbon brakes. This combination delivers smoother takeoffs and landings than many jets in its class, while passengers still get a 5.7-foot-high, 18.5-foot-long cabin built for medium-haul comfort rather than light-jet compromise.

The Cessna Citation XLS+ is the upgraded successor to the original Citation XLS, introduced in 2008 with more powerful engines, an improved nose, and a Rockwell Collins ProLine 21 avionics suite replacing the original's Honeywell Primus 1000. Both share the same 18.5 x 5.5 x 5.7-foot cabin and short-field handling, which is why they're charted at the same hourly rate, $3,500 to $5,000.

A midsize jet trades a light jet's lower hourly rate for more cabin room, more range, and a higher service ceiling. At $3,500 to $5,000 per hour, the Citation XLS runs above a light jet such as the Citation CJ3, but its 2,100-nautical-mile range and taller cabin suit medium-haul domestic trips a light jet cannot cover as comfortably.

• More range: 2,100 nm versus roughly 1,800 to 2,100 nm for most light jets, with a notably taller cabin.
• Higher cost: $3,500 to $5,000 per hour versus $2,500 to $3,500 for a light jet.
• Taller cabin: 5.7 feet of headroom, near stand-up height, versus a light jet's lower cabin.
• Best mission: medium-haul domestic trips for six to nine passengers where cabin comfort and range outweigh the light jet's lower hourly rate. Not recommended as a transcontinental nonstop option; see route-specific guidance for coast-to-coast legs.

The Citation XLS seats eight in a refined executive layout, with capacity up to nine in standard configuration and up to twelve in a high-density layout.

• An enclosed lavatory toward the rear of the cabin and a galley with a microwave, wine caddy, ice drawer, and hot liquid tank are standard.
• Six available interior collections combine ambient lighting, climate control, four pullout tables, and power outlets.
• A triple-sealed cabin door and triple-pane windows keep cabin noise low in flight.
• Indirect LED cabin lighting reduces heat and adds a roomier feel throughout the cabin.
• Two independent air conditioning systems keep the cabin comfortable on the ground and in flight.
• With over 90 cubic feet of external baggage space plus an internal closet, the XLS carries notably more luggage than rivals like the Hawker 800XP and 900XP, which have no external baggage compartment at all. Confirm exact configuration and entertainment options at booking.

The Citation XLS performs best on medium-haul domestic routes where its midsize cabin and range outperform a light jet without the cost of a super midsize.

Citation XLS and XLS+ charter rates run $3,500 to $5,000 per flight hour, standard pricing within the midsize category. 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 $3,500 to $5,000 hourly rate covers core operational costs. Additional fees are quoted separately on every trip, which matters when comparing total trip prices.

• Aircraft operation: fuel, crew, and maintenance are included in the hourly rate.
• Pilots: the Citation XLS flies with two pilots in charter service.
• 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 team for current pricing and details.

The most common cross-shop comparisons are the Hawker 800XP, a similarly sized midsize competitor, and the Citation Latitude, Cessna's newer midsize jet. The XLS wins on short-field performance; the Hawker 800XP offers a wider cabin, and the Latitude adds a flat-floor stand-up cabin for a higher rate.

Hogani Jets coordinates each Cessna Citation XLS charter through licensed Part 135 operators. Hogani Jets does not operate the aircraft directly. Every charter is conducted by a licensed Part 135 direct air carrier whose crew, maintenance, and operations remain under that carrier's independent operational control, with certifications and safety records reviewed as part of every booking.

The Citation XLS is a strong fit on medium-haul domestic routes where its cabin and range outperform a light jet. The following Hogani Jets route pages cover its most relevant charter corridors.

Atlanta to Miami private jet charter

Los Angeles to Las Vegas private jet charter

Phoenix to Las Vegas private jet charter

Ready to book a Citation XLS or XLS+ 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 XLS?

Citation XLS and XLS+ charter rates run $3,500 to $5,000 per flight hour, standard pricing within the midsize category. One-way trip pricing ranges from about $9,800 for short regional hops to $19,500 or more on longer domestic legs. Final cost depends on route, positioning, and season.

What is the difference between the Citation XLS and XLS+?

The original Citation XLS was produced from 2004 to 2008. Cessna then introduced the XLS+ with upgraded engines, winglets, and avionics, which remains in production today. Both share the same cabin and mission profile, so Hogani Jets quotes them under a single charter rate.

How many passengers can the Citation XLS carry?

The Citation XLS seats up to nine passengers in standard configuration, with eight typical in a refined executive layout. A high-density configuration can seat up to twelve, though this is uncommon on charter aircraft.

Does the Citation XLS have a lavatory?

Yes. The Citation XLS includes an enclosed lavatory toward the rear of the cabin, along with a galley featuring a microwave, wine caddy, ice drawer, and hot liquid tank, standard amenities for a midsize jet on medium-haul flights.

How much luggage can the Citation XLS carry?

The Citation XLS offers over 90 cubic feet of external baggage capacity plus an internal closet, among the largest external baggage allowances in the midsize category. This is a notable advantage over rivals such as the Hawker 800XP and 900XP, which carry no external baggage compartment at all.

What is the range of the Citation XLS?

The Citation XLS has a range of 2,100 nautical miles (2,417 miles), suited to medium-haul domestic routes. It is not recommended for transcontinental nonstop legs; a super midsize jet is the practical floor for true coast-to-coast trips.

Why is the Citation XLS known for light-jet handling?

The Citation XLS needs only about 3,560 feet of runway to take off, short for a midsize jet, and pairs trailing-link landing gear with high-capacity carbon brakes for smooth landings. This gives it the handling feel of a much smaller jet while retaining a full midsize cabin.

How fast does the Citation XLS fly?

The Citation XLS cruises at 440 knots true airspeed (506 mph), fast for the midsize category and a meaningful step up from any light jet.

How high can the Citation XLS fly?

The Citation XLS has a service ceiling of 45,000 feet, letting it climb above the vast majority of weather and traffic on a medium-haul flight.

Can the Citation XLS fly coast to coast nonstop?

Not reliably. With a 2,100-nautical-mile range, the Citation XLS sits below the practical floor for a true transcontinental nonstop, such as New York to Los Angeles. A super midsize jet such as the Challenger 300 is the recommended choice for that distance.

Are empty leg flights available on the Citation XLS?

Yes. The Citation XLS's frequent domestic positioning 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 XLS charters are facilitated through licensed Part 135 direct air carriers, who maintain full operational control and regulatory compliance for every flight.