Midsize Jet · Comparison

Cessna Citation III vs Cessna Citation XLS+

Side-by-side Midsize Jet analysis of the Cessna Citation III and Cessna Citation XLS+: 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
Cessna Citation IIICessna Citation III7 seats3,700 km range33 empty-leg offersCessna Citation XLS+Cessna Citation XLS+8 seats3,440 km range507 empty-leg offers

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+ 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+, 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 $3,400/hr for the Cessna Citation XLS+. 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 507 for the Cessna Citation XLS+ right now. Higher inventory often means more schedule flexibility on repositioning flights, but availability still depends on the specific route and date.

Specs & availability

SpecCessna Citation IIICessna Citation XLS+
ManufacturerCessnaCessna
CategoryMidsize JetMidsize Jet
Seats78
Range3,700 km3,440 km
Cruise speed850 km/h793 km/h
Typical hourly cost$3,100/hr$3,400/hr
Cabin height1.7 m1.7 m
Takeoff runway1300 m1097 m
Empty-leg offers on EmptyJet33507

Key takeaways

The Cessna Citation XLS+ 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 $3,400/hr). EmptyJet currently lists more empty-leg offers for the Cessna Citation XLS+ (507 vs 33).

FAQ

Which seats more passengers, the Cessna Citation III or the Cessna Citation XLS+?

Published seating is 7 for the Cessna Citation III and 8 for the Cessna Citation XLS+.

Which has longer range, the Cessna Citation III or the Cessna Citation XLS+?

Published range is 3,700 km for the Cessna Citation III and 3,440 km for the Cessna Citation XLS+.

What is the typical hourly cost difference between the Cessna Citation III and the Cessna Citation XLS+?

Typical hourly cost is listed at $3,100/hr for the Cessna Citation III and $3,400/hr for the Cessna Citation XLS+.

How many empty-leg offers does EmptyJet list for the Cessna Citation III vs the Cessna Citation XLS+?

EmptyJet currently lists 33 empty-leg offers for the Cessna Citation III and 507 for the Cessna Citation XLS+. Counts change as listings appear or leave the catalog.