The Citation XL / XLS / XLS+ range is one of Cessna’s most enduring commercial successes. From the original Citation Excel to the current XLS+, these aircraft have conquered the super light jet market by offering what few competitors can match: a tall cabin, a generous hold, and genuine comfort on 1h to 4h flights. The aircraft for those who want to travel well without going all the way to a midsize.
At MK Partnair, the Citation XLS is regularly proposed to clients hesitating between a Phenom 300 and a Challenger 350 — more often than not, the XLS is exactly what they need.
On board the Citation XLS — The passenger experience
The cabin that changes everything: you can stand up
This is the Citation XLS’s primary argument — and it’s a decisive one. With 1.73 m of cabin height, you can practically stand upright. That’s 23 cm more than a Phenom 300, and a difference you feel the moment you step on board. Combined with a 1.68 m width and a near-flat floor, the XLS creates a sense of space that places it clearly above the light jet segment.
- 8 fully reclining leather seats in club configuration — full flat sleeping position available
- Forward divan — relaxation space or additional seating
- Cabin height: 1.73 m — stand up, move around, feel at ease
- Private enclosed lavatory at the rear
- Minibar and galley — refreshments, snacks, real service space
- Entertainment systems — screens, audio, interactive map
- Remarkable soundproofing — one of the quietest cabins in its category
- Largest hold in its class — externally accessible only (see below)
💡 MK Partnair’s take: The Citation XLS is the aircraft we recommend when a client genuinely wants to feel comfortable in flight — without paying Challenger 350 prices. The cabin height makes a real difference on flights of 2 hours and more. It’s often the argument that tips the decision when clients are hesitating with a Phenom 300.
⚠️ The hold: generous but externally accessible only
The Citation XLS has the largest baggage hold in its class — a genuine advantage for groups travelling with significant luggage. But note: it is accessible from outside the aircraft only, not in-flight. If you need access to your belongings during the flight, plan accordingly and keep what you need in the cabin.
What you need to know
- Cabin height: 1.73 m — near standing height, unique in its price category
- Cabin width: 1.68 m
- Optimal configuration: 6 to 8 passengers
- Hold not accessible in-flight — plan what you need in the cabin
- Slightly tunnel-shaped floor — less pronounced than the Phenom 300, but not as flat as the PC-24
Excel, XLS, XLS+ — The three generations
| Specification | Citation Excel | Citation XLS | Citation XLS+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Production | 1998–2004 | 2004–2009 | 2008–present ✓ |
| Range | ~3,185 km | ~3,700 km ✓ | ~3,900 km ✓ |
| Cruise speed | ~830 km/h | ~830 km/h | ~830 km/h |
| Engines | PW545A | PW545C | PW545D ✓ |
| Avionics | Rockwell Collins | Garmin G1000 | Garmin G5000 ✓ |
| Cabin | Identical | Identical | Identical |
For a passenger, all three versions offer the same in-flight experience — same cabin, same dimensions, same 1.73 m height. The XLS+ brings slightly more range, more modern avionics (Garmin G5000 touchscreen), and more economical PW545D engines. A well-maintained Excel offered at a good price remains an excellent option on short flights.
Why choose the Citation XLS?
✈️ Key specs at a glance
| Specification | Citation XLS / XLS+ |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 8 to 10 passengers |
| Range (XLS+) | ~3,900 km (2,100 nm) |
| Cruise speed | ~830 km/h (448 kts) |
| Cabin length | 5.74 m |
| Cabin width | 1.68 m |
| Cabin height | 1.73 m — near standing height |
| Hold | Largest in its class — external access only |
| Lavatory | ✅ Yes — private, enclosed |
| Service ceiling | 45,000 ft |
| Ideal for | 6–8 pax, European routes, premium comfort, heavy luggage |
Performance and accessible destinations
Solid performance across Europe
Powered by 2 Pratt & Whitney Canada PW545 engines, the Citation XLS cruises at 830 km/h with a range of 3,700 to 3,900 km depending on the version — covering virtually all European destinations from Paris non-stop, and some medium-haul routes.
Sample routes from Paris
| Destination | Flight time | Recommended airport |
|---|---|---|
| Geneva | ~50 min | Geneva-Cointrin |
| Nice | ~1h10 | Nice Côte d’Azur |
| London | ~55 min | Farnborough, Biggin Hill, Luton |
| Barcelona | ~1h25 | El Prat or Sabadell |
| Milan | ~1h10 | Linate |
| Ibiza | ~1h45 | Ibiza Airport |
| Lisbon | ~2h10 | Humberto Delgado |
| Marrakech | ~2h35 | Marrakech-Menara |
How much does it cost to charter a Citation XLS?
The Citation XLS sits in the same price bracket as the Phenom 300 and Learjet 45. At equivalent rates, its main argument is cabin height — often the deciding factor for clients who want to travel standing up. Here are indicative one-way ranges:
| Route | Indicative price (one-way) |
|---|---|
| Paris → Geneva | €9,000 – €12,500 |
| Paris → Nice | €11,000 – €14,500 |
| Paris → London | €10,000 – €13,500 |
| Paris → Barcelona | €12,000 – €16,000 |
| Paris → Ibiza | €16,000 – €20,000 |
| Paris → Marrakech | €24,000 – €30,000 |
*Net prices, including airport taxes and crew. Variable based on availability, version (Excel, XLS or XLS+) and aircraft positioning.*
Frequently asked questions — Citation XLS charter
What is the difference between the Citation Excel, XLS and XLS+?
For a passenger, all three versions are practically identical on board — same cabin, same dimensions, same 1.73 m height. The differences are technical: the XLS has more powerful PW545C engines and a Garmin G1000 avionics suite; the XLS+ features PW545D engines and the Garmin G5000 touchscreen with slightly greater range (~3,900 km). A well-maintained Excel offered at a good price is always worth considering.
How many passengers can a Citation XLS carry?
The Citation XLS seats 8 to 9 passengers in its standard configuration — 8 club seats plus a forward divan that can accommodate 1 to 2 additional passengers. The optimal configuration for comfort is 6 to 8 passengers.
Can you really stand up inside a Citation XLS?
Almost — 1.73 m of cabin height. Anyone under 1.73 m can stand perfectly upright. That’s 23 cm more than a Phenom 300, and the difference is felt immediately on board.
Is the hold accessible in-flight?
No — the Citation XLS hold is accessible from outside only. In-flight, if you need something, it must have been planned in the cabin beforehand. It’s the only downside of an otherwise very generous hold.
How much does a Paris–Nice flight cost on a Citation XLS?
A Paris–Nice charter on a Citation XLS costs between €11,000 and €14,500 one-way, depending on availability and version. Request a personalised quote →
Book your Citation XLS with MK Partnair
Since 2012, MK Partnair has been helping clients charter private jets across France and Europe. Our approach:
- ✅ Free quote within 2 hours
- ✅ Net prices, no surprises
- ✅ Access to a worldwide fleet
- ✅ Dedicated advisor 24/7
Whether you are travelling for business or pleasure, we find the best available Citation XLS at the best price for your journey.
