Citation X Speed | Article

Picture courtesy of Paul Bowen

Does the speed of the Citation X really make a material difference?  Yes!

The Citation X was first delivered in the end of 1996 and quickly became NetJet’s best selling aircraft. This is true due to the combination of cabin comfort, speed, ease or maintenance, operating economics and dispatch reliability.

Initially with any technologically advanced aircraft, there were some issues that had to be addressed and overcome.   However, since the initial series of issues have been resolved and with an upgrade to the gross weight in 2002, the Citation X has become one of the most successful new aircraft introductions in recent aviation history.

Winner of the prestigious Collier Trophy for advancing aviation, the Citation X is a leading alternative to any mid-sized, super mid-sized or large cabin buyer.  For the midsized buyer, the Citation X offers a sizable cabin and baggage combination.  The double club configuration offers 8 comfortable captains chairs with a galley and good sized lavatory.  The baggage compartment is 72 cubic feet, pressurized and heated.  The range is as good as or better than any other competitor in its class.

For the super mid-sized or large cabin buyer, the Citation X offers unmatched speed and competitive operating economics.  The Citation X has set many speed records with its .92 mach top speed.  Though the speed and technological advancements get the “accolades”, Cessna is just as likely to sell an aircraft because of their product support.  When you speak with operators, especially the early serial number operators, they consistently applaud Cessna for the responsiveness.  When a Citation X beats out a competitor with a larger cabin, the “X” factor is usually the intangibles such as the smaller ramp presence, customer support, speed, and dispatch reliability.

Does the speed of the Citation X really make a material difference?  Yes

When compared with the F2000, the Citation X’s long range cruise is 60 miles per hour faster which translates into a cross country savings of 30-40 minutes.  Though the Citation X burns more fuel per hour, the specific fuel for the trip will be similar due to the time savings.  If you complete this trip on a regular basis, you could reduce your annual private jet utilization by 50 -100 hours per year.  Savings over other comparable aircraft like the Hawker 800XP or Gulfstream 200 would be even greater.

In the most important category, safety, the Citation X has one of the best records in all of business aviation.  According to Robert Breiling Associates Inc 2004 Annual Turbine Aircraft Accident Review, the world wide Citation X fleet had never been in an accident.  This is a credit to the aircraft’s design, the pilots who fly the Citation X, and the training and support available.

For more information on the Citation X or any other private jet, please contact Kevin O’Leary at jetadvisors.com.