Midsize Jet · Comparison
Cessna Citation III vs Cessna Citation XLS Gen2
Side-by-side Midsize Jet analysis of the Cessna Citation III and Cessna Citation XLS Gen2: cabin capacity, published range, typical hourly operating cost, runway needs, and how each model shows up in EmptyJet empty-leg inventory today.
- Class
- Midsize Jet
- Seats
- 7 / 8
- Range
- 3,700 km / 3,440 km
How to choose
Cabin and capacity: the Cessna Citation III is configured for 7 seats with cabin height 1.7 m; the Cessna Citation XLS Gen2 offers 8 seats and 1.7 m cabin height. Choose the roomier cabin when passenger count or stand-up comfort matters more than brochure range.
Mission fit: published range is 3,700 km for the Cessna Citation III versus 3,440 km for the Cessna Citation XLS Gen2, with cruise speeds of 850 km/h and 793 km/h. Longer published range suits thin-route city pairs; shorter-hop missions can prioritize cabin comfort or lower typical hourly cost instead.
Operating cost context: typical hourly cost is listed at $3,100/hr for the Cessna Citation III and $3,500/hr for the Cessna Citation XLS Gen2. Takeoff runway guidance is 1300 m versus 1097 m — relevant when destination airports are short-field.
Empty-leg market signal on EmptyJet: 33 live public offers for the Cessna Citation III and 9 for the Cessna Citation XLS Gen2 right now. Higher inventory often means more schedule flexibility on repositioning flights, but availability still depends on the specific route and date.
Specs & availability
| Spec | Cessna Citation III | Cessna Citation XLS Gen2 |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Cessna | Cessna |
| Category | Midsize Jet | Midsize Jet |
| Seats | 7 | 8 |
| Range | 3,700 km | 3,440 km |
| Cruise speed | 850 km/h | 793 km/h |
| Typical hourly cost | $3,100/hr | $3,500/hr |
| Cabin height | 1.7 m | 1.7 m |
| Takeoff runway | 1300 m | 1097 m |
| Empty-leg offers on EmptyJet | 33 | 9 |
Key takeaways
The Cessna Citation XLS Gen2 seats more passengers (8 vs 7). On published range, the Cessna Citation III covers more distance (3,700 km vs 3,440 km). Typical hourly cost favors the Cessna Citation III ($3,100/hr vs $3,500/hr). EmptyJet currently lists more empty-leg offers for the Cessna Citation III (33 vs 9).
More in this class
FAQ
Which seats more passengers, the Cessna Citation III or the Cessna Citation XLS Gen2?
Published seating is 7 for the Cessna Citation III and 8 for the Cessna Citation XLS Gen2.
Which has longer range, the Cessna Citation III or the Cessna Citation XLS Gen2?
Published range is 3,700 km for the Cessna Citation III and 3,440 km for the Cessna Citation XLS Gen2.
What is the typical hourly cost difference between the Cessna Citation III and the Cessna Citation XLS Gen2?
Typical hourly cost is listed at $3,100/hr for the Cessna Citation III and $3,500/hr for the Cessna Citation XLS Gen2.
How many empty-leg offers does EmptyJet list for the Cessna Citation III vs the Cessna Citation XLS Gen2?
EmptyJet currently lists 33 empty-leg offers for the Cessna Citation III and 9 for the Cessna Citation XLS Gen2. Counts change as listings appear or leave the catalog.