Cessna Citation Latitude jet aircraft – sales, rental, lease – learn about price list
The Cessna Citation Latitude is a midsize business jet that has been the world’s best-selling aircraft in its category for nine years. Equipped with two Pratt & Whitney PW306D1 engines with 5,907 pounds of thrust each, the aircraft reaches a top cruising speed of 446 knots (826 km/h) and a range of up to 2,700 nautical miles (5,000 km). The cabin offers a free-floating height (1.83 meters), a width of 1.96 meters and can accommodate up to nine passengers. The takeoff distance is 3,580 feet (1,091 m) and the landing distance is 2,480 feet (756 m), allowing the use of smaller airports. Maximum flight altitude is 45,000 feet (13,716 m), and takeoff weight is 30,800 pounds (13,971 kg).
History and development of the Cessna Citation Latitude
The Cessna Citation Latitude was first unveiled at the NBAA convention in October 2011. The prototype made its first flight on February 18, 2014 in Wichita, Kansas, and received FAA certification on June 5, 2015. First deliveries began on August 27, 2015.
The aircraft was designed as a successor to the Sovereign model, using proven components like the wing, engines and steering, but with an all-new circular fuselage section with a flat floor. In 2023, the price of the equipped aircraft was $19.775 million.
Technical specifications and performance
Dimensions and weight
- Length: 18.97 m (62 ft 3 in)
- Height: 6.35 m (20 ft 10 in)
- Wingspan: 22.05 m (72 ft 4 in)
- Wing area: 542.5 square feet
- Maximum takeoff weight: 13,971 kg (30,800 lb)
- Maximum landing weight: 12,506 kg (27,575 lb)
- Operating weight: 8,462 kg (18,656 lb)
Flight performance
Powered by two Pratt & Whitney PW306D1 turbofan engines, the Cessna Citation Latitude can reach a maximum cruising speed of 446 knots (826 km/h) and a range of up to 2,700 nautical miles. Takeoff distance at maximum takeoff weight is 3,580 feet and landing distance is 2,480 feet.
The rate of climb is 3,800 feet per minute, and the maximum operating altitude is 45,000 feet. Fuel consumption in the first hour of flight is 2,000-2,500 pounds (910-1,130 kg), and in subsequent hours 1,600-1,900 pounds (730-860 kg) per hour.
Cabin and passenger comfort in the Cessna Citation Latitude
The cabin is the aircraft’s greatest asset. It offers a wide, flat floor with a cabin height of 6 feet (1.83 m) at the price of a mid-range jet. The spacious cabin has a volume of 587 cubic feet and typically accommodates 9 passengers and 2 crew members.
The cabin’s ten windows are 25% larger in area than in any previous Citation. The luggage compartment can hold up to 1,000 pounds and 100 cubic feet of luggage, making it one of the largest in the class.
Avionics and systems
The Cessna Citation Latitude is equipped with the state-of-the-art Garmin G5000 avionics package. The G5000 system includes three high-resolution touchscreens, artificial vision, weather radar and traffic collision avoidance systems. The three 14-inch horizontal flight displays can function independently as a primary flight display or a multifunction display.
The system also offers automatic thrust control and advanced flight management systems that reduce pilot workload and enable more efficient and precise control of the aircraft.
Comparison with competitors
| Parameter | Cessna Citation Latitude | Embraer Legacy 450 |
|---|---|---|
| Range (NBAA IFR) | 2,700 nm | 2,904 nm |
| Maximum speed | 446 KTAS | 462 KTAS |
| Take-off distance | 3,580 ft | 3,907 ft |
| Landing distance | 2,480 ft | 2,090 ft |
| Maximum altitude | 45,000 ft | 45,000 ft |
| Number of passengers | 9 | 9 |
| Cabin height | 6.0 ft | 6.0 ft |
| Price (2023) | $19.8M | $17.5M |
| Control systems | Conventional | Fly-by-wire |
The Legacy 450 has a similar flat cabin floor for four club seats plus two chairs and over 200 miles more range, 25-30 knots higher cruise speed and fly-by-wire systems. However, the Citation Latitude offers better operational capabilities from short runways.
Applications and market
The Citation Latitude is perfect for business flights, as a charter aircraft and as a private owner. The range allows non-stop flights from Los Angeles to New York or from Geneva to Dubai. It can make flights between cities such as Sydney-Bali, Los Angeles-New York or Geneva-Dubai.
The Citation Latitude’s average operating cost is about $2,936 per flight hour, making it a competitive choice in the midsize business jet segment.
Summary
The Cessna Citation Latitude deserves to be called one of the most important business aircraft of the last decade. The Citation’s combination of proven reliability with a modern, spacious cabin and advanced avonics makes it an ideal choice for demanding business customers. Although it doesn’t offer the longest range or highest speed in its class, its versatility, passenger comfort and ability to operate from short runways ensure that it remains a sales leader in the medium-sized business jet segment.
For the aviation industry, the Cessna Citation Latitude represents an evolutionary approach to business aircraft design – the use of proven technical solutions combined with innovative cabin design. This model proves that market success can be achieved by focusing on the real needs of users, not just on maximum technical performance.
