The Cessna Citation Sovereign is a well-balanced midsize business jet, designed for long-range travel, excellent short-field performance, and comfort. Below are its detailed specifications, a comparison with competitors, and ownership cost estimates.
Citation Sovereign Specs
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engines | 2 × Pratt & Whitney Canada PW306D1 |
| Maximum Range | ~3,200 nautical miles (5,900 km) |
| Max Cruise Speed | ~460 knots (852 km/h) |
| Service Ceiling | 47,000 feet (14,325 m) |
| Takeoff Distance | ~3,530 feet (1,076 m) |
| Landing Distance | ~2,650 feet (808 m) |
| Max Passengers | 9–12 |
| Cabin Height | 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) |
| Cabin Width | 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m) |
| Cabin Length | 25 ft 3 in (7.7 m) |
| Avionics Suite | Garmin G5000 |
Citation Sovereign vs. Competitors
Comparison with Similar Jets
| Aircraft | Range (nm) | Cruise Speed (knots) | Cabin Size (L×W×H in ft) | Takeoff Distance (ft) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cessna Citation Sovereign+ | 3,200 | 460 | 25.3 × 5.6 × 5.8 | 3,530 |
| Bombardier Challenger 350 | 3,200 | 470 | 25.2 × 7.2 × 6.1 | 4,835 |
| Embraer Praetor 600 | 4,018 | 466 | 27.6 × 6.1 × 6.0 | 4,800 |
| Gulfstream G280 | 3,600 | 482 | 25.1 × 7.2 × 6.3 | 4,750 |
Key Takeaways:
- The Citation Sovereign+ has excellent short-field performance compared to its rivals.
- The Challenger 350 and G280 have larger cabins, offering more passenger comfort.
- The Praetor 600 has a significantly longer range but requires a longer takeoff distance.
- Speed-wise, all aircraft are comparable, with slight variations.
Ownership Costs
A. Acquisition Cost
- New Citation Sovereign+ (Discontinued in 2021): ~$19–21 million
- Pre-Owned Market: $8–12 million (depending on year and condition)
B. Operating Costs (Annually & Per Hour)
| Expense | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Fuel Cost per Hour | ~$2,000 |
| Maintenance per Year | ~$500,000 – $750,000 |
| Crew Salaries | ~$300,000 – $450,000 |
| Hangar Fees | ~$50,000 – $100,000 |
| Insurance | ~$30,000 – $50,000 |
| Total Hourly Operating Cost | ~$3,500 – $4,500 |
C. Charter & Fractional Ownership Options
- Charter Rates: ~$4,500 – $6,500 per hour
- Fractional Ownership (NetJets, Flexjet, etc.): ~$1.2M – $2.5M for a 1/8 share
Final Thoughts
- The Citation Sovereign is a great balance of range, short-field performance, and affordability compared to its competitors.
- Best suited for: Corporate flights, transcontinental U.S. missions, and airports with short runways.
- Downsides: Smaller cabin than some midsize competitors like the Challenger 350.
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