Aircraft overview

The Cessna Citation Excel / XLS is a Cessna Citation 560XL series midsize business jet, developed to combine the cabin cross section of the larger Citation X and Citation VII family with the operating economics and runway flexibility associated with smaller Citations. The Citation Excel first flew in 1996 and entered customer service in 1998. The improved Citation XLS followed in the early 2000s, with production continuing until it was succeeded by the XLS+. The model matters in the used market because it offers a practical balance of cabin volume, short field capability and manageable operating costs, making it a frequent choice for owner operators, charter fleets and regional corporate flight departments.

Performance & specifications

Typical cruise performance is about 430 knots at altitude, with NBAA IFR range commonly quoted around 1,800 nautical miles, depending on payload, reserves and conditions. The certified ceiling is 45,000 feet. The Citation Excel is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW545A turbofans, while the Citation XLS uses PW545B engines with improved thrust and performance refinements. Maximum takeoff weight is 20,200 lb for the Excel and higher on the XLS, with useful load varying by equipment and interior but generally in the midsize jet class. One of the aircraft’s key operational advantages is its ability to use relatively short runways for its cabin size.

Cabin & avionics

The cabin typically seats eight or nine passengers in a club and side facing layout, with a private aft lavatory and a forward refreshment center. Cabin dimensions are close to 18.5 ft long, 5.5 ft wide and 5.7 ft high, giving the aircraft a notably larger feel than light jets while retaining efficient trip economics. Most Citation Excel and XLS aircraft were delivered with Honeywell Primus 1000 avionics, not Garmin Perspective or G1000. Buyers will see differences in FMS configuration, GPS capability, WAAS LPV approval, ADS-B compliance, weather radar, cabin management and connectivity upgrades.

Buying & value

For buyers comparing used aircraft, condition and records are especially important because many Citation Excel / XLS examples have seen charter or high utilization corporate service. Review engine program status, hot section and overhaul timing, landing gear inspections, corrosion history, avionics compliance, interior age and maintenance tracking quality. Common distinctions include the original Excel, the upgraded XLS and aircraft modified with modern navigation, ADS-B, Wi-Fi or refreshed interiors. On PlaneFox current listings, asking prices average about EUR 4,880,000, with examples ranging from roughly EUR 2,160,000 to EUR 5,950,000. Pricing usually reflects model year, total time, engine coverage, avionics standard and cosmetic condition.