Tried & Tested: Citation XLS

In this month’s ‘Smart: Tried and Tested’, we take a closer look at the Cessna Citation XLS, a standout in the super light jet category, celebrated for its superior comfort, impressive performance, speed, and exceptional efficiency.

One of the most successful and versatile business jets in its class, the Citation XLS perfectly balances luxury and practicality. It delivers the cabin space and comfort of a larger jet while maintaining the agility, speed, and cost-effectiveness of a light aircraft, making it Smart’s preferred choice for medium-range business travel.

Entering service in 2004, the Citation XLS is powered by two Pratt & Whitney PW545B turbofan engines, each producing 3,991 pounds of thrust. These powerful yet efficient engines deliver a maximum cruise speed of 441 knots (507 mph/817 kmh) and allow the aircraft to reach its maximum operating altitude of 45,000 feet with ease.

The Citation XLS is typically configured to seat up to eight passengers in an elegant executive layout featuring club-four seating, two additional forward-facing seats, and an optional side-facing divan near the entry door.

With a range of 1,858 nautical miles (2,139 miles / 3,441 km) and a flight time of up to four hours, the Citation XLS can operate non-stop routes such as London–Athens, London–Reykjavik, or Paris–Marrakech, making it an excellent choice for both European and North African itineraries.

In terms of dimensions, the Citation XLS measures 52 ft 6 in (16 m) in length, 17 ft 2 in (5.23 m) in height, and has a wingspan of 56 ft 4 in (17.17 m). Inside, passengers benefit from a spacious cabin that’s 18 ft 6 in (5.64 m) long, 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m) wide, and 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) high, offering generous standing and movement room for its class.

The Citation XLS offers a quiet, fully pressurised cabin designed for productivity and relaxation. Passengers enjoy luxurious leather seats in a club configuration with fold-out tables, a refreshment centre with chilled beverages, and ample power outlets. Large windows, LED lighting, and elegant finishes create a bright, refined atmosphere, complemented by a private washroom and generous storage space.

The Citation XLS also features excellent luggage capacity, with 90 cubic feet of combined internal and external baggage space, accommodating 8–10 suitcases plus carry-ons, garment bags, and business equipment. This makes it ideal for executive teams travelling with presentation kits or extended-stay luggage.

James Gregory, Smart’s Head of VIP Charter, said: “The Cessna Citation XLS is the benchmark for super light business jets, offering the comfort of a larger aircraft with the efficiency and flexibility of a smaller one. It’s quiet, spacious, and impressively capable, making it the ideal choice for executives who want to travel in style and arrive refreshed. For medium-range business trips, the XLS consistently delivers the perfect blend of performance, comfort, and value.”