Citation Excel / XLS / XLS+

BRIEF HISTORY – CITATION EXCEL / XLS / XLS+

CESSNA C560XL
Cessna Citation Excel  (1998-2004) Cessna Citation XLS  (2004-2009): Updated Engines / All-Glass CockpitCessna Citation XLS+  (2008-Present): Engine Upgrades / Revised NoseFollowing the success of the high-end Citation VII, Cessna identified a demand for an aircraft with the Citation X’s attributes but at an operational cost that is competitive with twin-turboprop aircraft. Cessna set off and designed the Excel with the goal of developing a plane with transcontinental range and extraordinary efficiency, all beautifully packaged into a midsize jet. The Excel was unveiled in 1994 and flew for the first time in 1996. It received certification in April 1998 and completed its first delivery in July 1998. By 2002, Citation had manufactured 300 and a total of 308 Excel’s were ever produced! The Citation XLS, first upgrade to the series, was released in 2004 with updated engines and an upgraded all glass cockpit. 330 XL’s total were produced and in 2008, Citation announced and began deliveries on its newest makeover on the Model 560XL, the XLS+ or “plus” configuration. On March 31, 2021, the Cessna model 560XL series delivered its 1,000th aircraft to a private customer in the Northeastern United States.On October 11th, 2021 at the NBAA convention in Las Vegas, Textron Aviation announced its latest adaptation of the Model 560XL series with the Citation XLS+ Gen2. It features an elevated ramp presence, redesigned pedestal style seating to increase comfort, as well as an intuitive wireless cabin management system. Deliveries began in the first quarter of 2022.

CABIN COMFORTS – CITATION XLS+
Flying is made more pleasant with cabin amenities to assist in productivity or comfort such as an ergonomic work surface at every seat, sliding headrests, and boasting seats that are two to four inches wider than prior models as well as good maneuverability when you engage the swivel lever. Indirect LED lighting is used to provide a more spacious, natural atmosphere in the cabin, while also producing less heat and lasting even longer. Cessna chose six captains chairs and a side-facing two person divan as the interior’s standard layout. Passengers can adjust the lighting and temperature from the comfort of their larger seats.Eleven oversized windows strategically spaced throughout the cabin provide ample light and visibility. Each seat has its own dedicated window that ensures everyone can catch a glimpse of the world below. The Citation XLS+ is outfitted with a fully enclosed lavatory, including solid door, in the aft of the aircraft. Also, near the flight deck passengers will find a luxurious refreshment center to keep them satisfied the entire flight. Besides having one of the most comfortable cabins in its class, another component of the XLS+ that is critical in a post-pandemic world is the air quality and cleanliness. Cessna has already got you protected, equipping the XLS+ with a completely dedicated fresh air system. This fresh air system is only responsible for moving fresh air from the aircraft’s exterior into the cabin. There is no recirculation because the air entering the cabin is always “fresh” from the outside. As a result, no additional filter is required within the system. As a result, the cabin can refresh the whole volume of air within under two minutes!

POWER AND PERFORMANCE – CITATION XLS+
Cessna chose wisely with the proven Pratt & Whitney Canada PW545C engines to power the XLS+. Each engine is capable of providing a maximum thrust of 4,119 lb. (144 lbs more thrust than the engines used in the predecessor, Citation XLS). As a result, the XLS+ can take off with a runway length of as little as 3,560 feet. Minimum landing distance is 3,180 feet. When in cruising mode, the XLS+ can reach a top speed of 441 knots and a maximum altitude of 45,000 feet, while keeping the cabin pressure a comfortable 6,800 feet.

FLIGHT DECK – CITATION XLS+
The XLS+’s cockpit is indicative it’s a Cessna Citation aircraft. Familiar. Reliable. Proven. While there are no major advancements or updates to the avionics, they are extremely intuitive and easy to use. Collins Aerospace Pro Line 21 avionics are standard on the Citation XLS+. As a result, pilots will be comfortable in the cockpit and confident flying in all weather circumstances. Crews have access to up-to-date weather information along their flight path thanks to the XM / WX Satellite weather Data Service. Pilots can now overlay satellite images with NEXRAD overlays using upgraded software. Pilots can also select the option to see Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR), winds aloft, and cloud-to-cloud lightning with strikes data is available. At every altitude, images and data are available. Keeping your crew informed with the most up to date weather and information.

CHARTER A CITATION EXCEL / XLS / XLS+
Cessna’s Citation XLS+ is often debated as some classify it as a Super Light Jet, due to range. While others classify it as a Midsize Jet as it has the cabin cross section from a Citation X (Super Midsize Jet) but just shorten a tad, incredible baggage capacity, and not to mention the incredible runway performance similar to smaller Light Jets! At the end of the day, I have to go with the manufacturer and agree, it is a midsize jet. The Citation 560XL has been in continuous production for almost two decades and there are no plans of stopping anytime soon. It is one of the most successful business jet designs ever created. CharterJets Inc. features the newest and highest safety rated Citation EXCEL / XLS / XLS+ available. Reach out today to discuss your upcoming travel!