The Citation Longitude is a twin-engine business jet built by Textron Aviation for long-distance corporate and charter flights

The Cessna Citation Longitude is a large-cabin jet designed to carry eight to ten passengers over distances up to 3,500 nautical miles without refueling. It entered service in 2019 and sits in the super-midsize category—larger and more capable than a midsize jet, but smaller and less expensive than a heavy jet. The aircraft is powered by two Safran Silvercrest turbofan engines, each producing about 7,700 pounds of thrust, which gives it the speed and altitude performance needed for transcontinental and transatlantic missions.

The Longitude is used primarily by corporations for executive travel, by charter operators who rent it to multiple clients, and occasionally by wealthy individuals who own one outright. It competes directly with aircraft like the Bombardier Challenger 350 and the Gulfstream G280. Understanding what this aircraft is, how it performs, and what ownership or charter costs look like matters if you work in aviation, manage a corporate flight department, or are considering whether to charter one for a specific mission.

Key Takeaways

  • The Citation Longitude carries eight to ten passengers and can fly 3,500 nautical miles, making it suitable for coast-to-coast U.S. flights and some transatlantic routes.
  • Operating costs run roughly $4,000 to $5,500 per flight hour, including fuel, crew, maintenance, and insurance, which is why charter rates typically fall between $6,500 and $8,500 per hour.
  • The aircraft requires two pilots and can cruise at Mach 0.85 (about 488 knots true airspeed), reaching 51,000 feet altitude.
  • Maintenance is performed by Textron Aviation service centers and authorized dealers, with major inspections required every 24 months or 400 flight hours, whichever comes first.
  • Purchase price for a new Longitude ranges from $26 million to $28 million depending on configuration, with used examples selling for $15 million to $22 million depending on age and condition.

Cabin layout and passenger comfort features

The Longitude cabin is 6 feet 2 inches tall and 8 feet 2 inches wide, giving it a noticeably larger cross-section than midsize jets. The standard configuration seats eight passengers in a club layout—four seats facing forward and four facing aft—though some operators configure it with nine or ten seats by adding a single-seat row near the galley. The cabin is pressurized to 6,000 feet at cruise altitude, which reduces fatigue on longer flights compared to aircraft that maintain a 8,000-foot cabin altitude.

Amenities include a fully enclosed lavatory with a vacuum toilet and hot water, a galley with a microwave and refrigerator, and a cabin management system that controls lighting, temperature, and entertainment on individual touchscreens at each seat. The aircraft can be equipped with a lie-flat bed by removing the aft four seats and installing a custom interior, though this reduces passenger count and is typically done only on aircraft used for single-owner missions. Large windows and LED ambient lighting are standard, and the cabin is quieter than older jets because the Silvercrest engines produce less noise than earlier-generation turbofans.

Engine performance and fuel consumption

The two Safran Silvercrest engines are relatively new to aviation and were specifically designed for the Longitude and the Bombardier Global 7500. They burn Jet A or Jet A-1 fuel and consume approximately 260 to 290 gallons per hour at cruise, depending on altitude and weight. The aircraft carries 6,000 pounds of fuel internally, which translates to roughly 900 gallons and supports a maximum range of 3,500 nautical miles with four passengers, reserves, and alternate airport fuel.

The engines are more fuel-efficient than the older engines in competing aircraft, which reduces operating costs and extends range. They also produce lower emissions and less noise, which matters for operations at noise-sensitive airports. Engine overhaul is required at 5,000 flight hours, and the cost per engine typically runs $1.2 million to $1.5 million, though this is usually spread across many years of operation and is covered under maintenance reserves or contracts.

Maintenance requirements and inspection schedules

The Citation Longitude follows a condition-based maintenance program rather than a strict time-based schedule. This means maintenance is triggered by actual engine data, component wear, and flight hours rather than a fixed calendar interval. However, the aircraft must undergo a major inspection every 24 months or 400 flight hours, whichever comes first. This inspection includes a complete walk-around, systems checks, and replacement of time-limited components like filters and seals.

Annual inspections are required and typically take 40 to 60 hours of labor. Every five years, a more extensive inspection called a C-check is performed, which involves opening panels and inspecting structural components for corrosion or fatigue. Textron Aviation publishes a maintenance manual that specifies which parts must be replaced at set intervals, and all work must be performed by mechanics certified on the Longitude or at an authorized service center. The cost of routine maintenance typically runs $800 to $1,200 per flight hour when averaged over the aircraft's life, though this varies based on how intensively the aircraft is flown and the age of the airframe.

Typical operating costs and charter pricing

Operating a Citation Longitude costs roughly $4,000 to $5,500 per flight hour when all expenses are included. This covers fuel (typically $1,200 to $1,400 per hour), crew salaries and training, insurance, hangar or parking fees, maintenance reserves, and landing and handling fees. The exact figure depends on how many hours the aircraft flies per year, the cost of fuel at the time, and whether maintenance is paid out of pocket or through a pre-paid contract.

Charter operators who rent the Longitude to clients typically charge $6,500 to $8,500 per flight hour, which covers their operating costs plus a margin for profit, crew scheduling, and customer service. A four-hour flight from New York to Los Angeles would therefore cost a charter customer roughly $26,000 to $34,000 in direct charter fees, plus landing fees and fuel surcharges that may explore. Fractional ownership programs, in which multiple parties own shares of a single aircraft, typically charge an hourly rate of $3,500 to $4,500 per flight hour plus an annual management fee, making them less expensive than charter for frequent fliers but requiring a capital investment upfront.

Runway performance and airport capability

The Citation Longitude requires a minimum runway length of 5,500 feet for takeoff at maximum weight and sea level, and 6,000 feet for landing. This means it can operate from most commercial airports and many smaller regional airports, but not from short-field strips or unprepared surfaces. Takeoff distance increases at higher elevations and in hot weather—at Denver International (5,280 feet elevation), the aircraft needs roughly 7,000 feet of runway to depart at maximum weight.

The aircraft can land on runways as short as 4,500 feet in ideal conditions, which gives it access to airports that midsize jets cannot reach. It is approved for operations on gravel and unprepared surfaces if the runway is at least 5,000 feet long and reasonably compacted, though this is rare in practice. The aircraft is equipped with a terrain awareness and warning system (TAWS) and a weather radar, which allow it to operate safely in instrument conditions and avoid thunderstorms during cruise.

Comparison to competing aircraft in the super-midsize category

The Citation Longitude competes primarily with the Bombardier Challenger 350 and the Gulfstream G280. The Challenger 350 has a slightly larger cabin and can carry up to 10 passengers, but it is heavier and less fuel-efficient, resulting in higher operating costs. The Gulfstream G280 is smaller and less expensive to operate, but has a shorter range and smaller cabin, making it better suited for shorter missions with fewer passengers.

The Longitude's main advantages are its large cabin, good fuel efficiency for its size, and relatively low acquisition cost compared to larger jets like the Gulfstream G450 or Bombardier Global series. Its main disadvantages are that it is newer to the market (so fewer used examples are available), and it has a smaller maximum payload than some competitors, meaning it cannot always carry a full cabin of passengers plus maximum fuel. For operators who fly frequently across the continental United States or need to reach Europe from the East Coast, the Longitude is often the best balance of capability, comfort, and cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many pilots does the Citation Longitude require?

The aircraft requires two pilots for all operations—a captain and a first officer. Both must hold a type rating specific to the Longitude, which requires 25 hours of training in the aircraft or a flight simulator. Pilot training typically costs $15,000 to $25,000 per pilot and must be renewed every 24 months.

Can the Citation Longitude fly across the Atlantic?

Yes, but only with favorable winds and specific routing. The aircraft can reach Shannon, Ireland or Reykjavik, Iceland from the East Coast with a full fuel load and light passenger load, but cannot reach mainland Europe directly. It is not approved for extended overwater operations (ETOPS), meaning it must stay within a certain distance of a suitable diversion airport at all times.

What is the difference between a new and used Citation Longitude?

New aircraft cost $26 million to $28 million and come with a manufacturer warranty and the latest avionics and interior options. Used aircraft from 2019 to 2022 typically sell for $18 million to $24 million depending on total flight hours and condition. Older aircraft may have older avionics and interiors, but can be retrofitted with newer systems at additional cost.

How long does it take to get a Citation Longitude from the factory?

Textron Aviation's current delivery schedule is typically 18 to 24 months from order to delivery, though this varies based on production capacity and customization requests. Used aircraft are available when ready from brokers and charter operators, but the selection is limited because the aircraft is relatively new.

What happens if an engine fails during flight?

The Citation Longitude is certified to fly safely on a single engine and can maintain altitude and reach an airport for landing. The aircraft has redundant hydraulic systems, electrical systems, and flight controls, so loss of one engine does not compromise safety. Pilots train extensively for single-engine operations in the simulator before flying the aircraft.