Fleet guide › Citation XLS+
Midsize jet

Citation XLS+

Citation XLS+ exterior

Overview

The Cessna Citation XLS+ is one of the most popular midsize jets ever built, prized for its stand-up cabin, easy short-field manners and dependable economics. Seating up to nine, it combines genuine midsize comfort with the runway flexibility to use secondary airports, making it a versatile all-rounder for African business charter. Fast, comfortable and cost-effective, the XLS+ handles everything from quick hops to multi-hour regional legs with ease.

Key specifications

Manufactured by Cessna (Textron Aviation), 2004-present.

Passengers
up to 9
Cruise speed
787 km/h
425 kt
Range
3,148 km
1,700 NM
Min runway
1.19 km
3,900 ft
Ceiling
13,716 m
45,000 ft
Baggage
2.0 m3
Airstrips
Paved only
Citation XLS+ cabin interior

Detailed specifications

Years of manufacture
2004-present
Number produced
1,000+
Max take-off weight
9,163 kg
Max payload
1,043 kg
Empty weight
5,900 kg
Crew
2
Engines
2 x P&WC PW545C turbofans
Wingspan
17.17 m
Length
15.79 m

Chartering the Citation XLS+ in Africa

For charter across Africa, the Citation XLS+ is typically positioned from its home base to your departure airport, flown to your destination, and returned afterwards — the estimate you see on a route search already accounts for this full rotation. Whether it suits a given trip depends on the runway at each end, the distance, and how many seats you need. Search any route to see a live estimate for the Citation XLS+ alongside every other aircraft that can fly it, then send an enquiry to have operators confirm the exact price.

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Images are representative of the aircraft type — the actual aircraft, cabin layout and interior finish depend on the operating carrier. Specifications are typical planning figures for charter use and vary by individual aircraft configuration. Charter prices are computed estimates confirmed by the operating carrier through the inquiry process.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to charter a Citation XLS+ in Africa?

The Citation XLS+ is chartered as a whole aircraft, not per seat. Planning rates start around US$5,900 per occupied flight hour before airport, handling and navigation charges. On most African sectors the larger variable is positioning: if no Citation XLS+ is sitting at your departure airport, the empty leg flown in to collect you is priced into the quote, which is why a short hop can cost more than its flight time suggests. Every route page on this site shows the all-in estimate rather than the bare hourly rate.

How many passengers can the Citation XLS+ carry?

Up to 9 passengers in the cabin layout typically offered for charter in Africa. Operators configure individual aircraft differently, so the usable seat count on the specific tail allocated to your trip is confirmed at quote stage, along with baggage allowance, which is usually the binding limit on safari and golf trips rather than seats.

What is the range of the Citation XLS+?

The Citation XLS+ plans to roughly 1,700 nautical miles (about 3,148 km) with normal reserves. From its Accra base that reaches scheduled airports in 33 African countries without a fuel stop. Hot and high departures, strong headwinds and a full cabin all reduce that figure, so longer sectors are planned with a technical stop where needed.

Which African airports can the Citation XLS+ use?

It needs roughly 3,900 ft of paved runway at typical charter weights. On our airport data that covers 360 of the 394 African airports with scheduled service, before allowing for elevation, temperature and runway condition on the day. Shorter or unpaved strips, including most safari airstrips, are outside its limits and are flown on a turboprop instead.

Where is the Citation XLS+ based in Africa?

Citation XLS+ aircraft in our fleet data are based at Abidjan, Accra, Addis Ababa, Cairo, Dakar, Johannesburg and other bases. Departing from or near one of those cities keeps positioning cost down, because the aircraft does not have to fly an empty leg to reach you.

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