The Cessna Citation Longitude is one of the most recent and innovative creations by Cessna, part of Textron Aviation’s business jet family. Combining efficiency, superior performance, and a design focused on comfort and luxury, the Longitude stands out as one of the most attractive options for long-distance business travel. This article explores the history, technical specifications, operating costs, avionics, pilot opinions, and other crucial aspects of the Cessna Longitude.
History of the Cessna Citation Longitude
The journey of the Citation Longitude began with the idea of creating an aircraft that would fill the gap between the Citation Latitude and the Citation Hemisphere. The first test flight took place in 2016, and it received official FAA certification in 2019. With a focus on improving fuel efficiency and extending flight range, the Longitude quickly established itself as an ideal business jet for transcontinental missions. Designed to compete with larger aircraft, the Longitude is the result of decades of innovation and success from Cessna in the executive jet market.
Technical Specifications
Below are the technical specifications of the Cessna Citation Longitude:
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Length | 73 feet |
| Wingspan | 69 feet |
| Passenger Capacity | Up to 12 |
| Maximum Range | 3,500 nautical miles |
| Maximum Cruise Speed | 482 knots |
| Maximum Cruise Altitude | 45,000 feet |
| Engines | 2 Honeywell HTF7700L |
| Fuel Consumption | Approx. 155 gallons/hour |
The Longitude offers an excellent balance between range and payload capacity, making it capable of easily performing intercontinental flights while providing utmost comfort for its passengers.
Operational Costs
Operating the Cessna Citation Longitude entails significant costs, but it is competitively positioned compared to other aircraft in its segment. Direct costs include fuel, maintenance, and crew, while indirect costs involve insurance and depreciation.
On average, the operating cost per flight hour of the Longitude is estimated at around $4,000 to $4,500, depending on the region and operational conditions. This includes fuel costs, which account for a significant portion due to the efficiency of the Honeywell HTF7700L engines.
Avionics and Cockpit Equipment
The Cessna Longitude comes equipped with the advanced Garmin G5000 Flight Deck, widely regarded as one of the most innovative and reliable systems in business aviation. The avionics suite is fully digital, with high-definition interactive displays that provide pilots with a wide range of information.
Key Cockpit Features:
- Garmin Synthetic Vision Technology (SVT) providing a synthetic view of the terrain.
- Dual Flight Management Systems (FMS) to assist with navigation and flight planning.
- Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS) for added safety.
- Integrated weather radar for forecasting in-flight weather conditions.
- Advanced autopilot with automatic approach modes.
These systems ensure smooth and safe operations, allowing pilots to maintain complete control in any flight conditions.
Pilot Opinions
Experienced pilots praise the Longitude for its ease of handling and intuitive controls. According to several accounts from pilots in the executive aviation sector, the Longitude offers one of the most ergonomic and efficient cockpits available. They highlight the ease of operating the Garmin G5000 and the smooth transition between different phases of flight, as well as the comfort for long transoceanic journeys.
Luxurious and Comfortable Interior
The Cessna Citation Longitude is designed to maximize passenger comfort with an ultra-quiet cabin and spacious interiors. The seating configuration is customizable, allowing for multiple layouts, and includes state-of-the-art entertainment systems and high-speed Wi-Fi connectivity.
The interior details reflect luxury and functionality, with high-quality leather seating, fold-out tables, and considerable space for carry-on luggage. Adjustable lighting and individual temperature controls for each passenger are some of the features that make the Longitude a premium choice.
Maintenance Costs
Maintaining the Cessna Longitude is relatively straightforward compared to other aircraft in the same category. Thanks to the reliability of the Honeywell HTF7700L engines and the aircraft’s robust structure, scheduled maintenance costs are lower compared to competitors. However, as with any large executive jet, unexpected repairs and replacements can increase annual operational costs, which range between $500,000 and $800,000.
Competitor Comparison
Below is a comparison of the Cessna Citation Longitude with other competing aircraft:
| Aircraft | Range | Max Cruise Speed | Approximate Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cessna Citation Longitude | 3,500 nm | 482 knots | $28 million |
| Bombardier Challenger 350 | 3,200 nm | 459 knots | $26 million |
| Gulfstream G280 | 3,600 nm | 482 knots | $25 million |
| Embraer Praetor 600 | 4,018 nm | 466 knots | $21 million |
The Citation Longitude stands out for its excellent balance between range, speed, and price, making it one of the most competitive options for those seeking performance and comfort.
If you are looking for a business jet that offers top-tier performance, cutting-edge technology, and exceptional comfort, the Cessna Citation Longitude is the right choice. With its combination of luxury and efficiency, it stands out as one of the best options on the market.
Want to learn more about how to purchase the Cessna Citation Longitude? Contact our experts at GOAL Aircraft and discover how we can help you bring this magnificent aircraft to your fleet. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
