Citation Excel/XLS/XLS+ | Jack-Of-All-Trades | The JetAv Blog by John Hall
There exists a mid-size business jet that stands alone in its capability: short-field runways, stand-up cabin and exceptionally low operating costs. With over 800 delivered, the Citation Excel, XLS and XLS+ (560 XL) Series represent one of the world’s best-selling lines and another extraordinary success story from Cessna. Conceived in the early 1990’s as the “fat five” by marrying a shortened Citation X cabin to the original Citation 560 series wing, the Citation Excel is regarded as aviation’s most brilliant, revolutionary and commercially successful adaptation of existing airframe components with a new generation engine.
Cessna’s idea was to offer a comfortable mid-sized cabin with private aft lavatory and ample baggage capacity, while retaining the docile handling characteristics, excellent
short-field, high-hot performance and operating economies of the Citation Ultra. Powered by efficient Pratt & Whitney Model 545 engines, the 560XL series has developed an excellent reputation for safety, performance and reliability. Evolutionary product enhancements from Excel to XLS+ include new generation fully integrated Collins Pro Line 21 avionics suite, bringing electronic charts and weather into the cockpit, full-authority digital controls (FADEC), refined interior features and an enhanced list of standard equipment. But regardless of vintage, all of the 560XL series Citations offer similar comfort, performance, capability and predictable operating economics. In fact, the Citation Excel was so similar to the Citation V/Ultra pilot-friendly flying qualities, Cessna petitioned the FAA to allow Excel single-pilot capability. This request was evaluated and ultimately denied mainly because the aircraft’s overall size and weight it “felt” like it needed two pilots (easier for the FAA to say no than yes).
Typically equipped in an 8+1 seating configuration, with a belted jump seat located in the aft lavatory, the 560XL is capable of transporting its passengers and baggage up to 1800
nautical miles (with NBAA IFR reserves) at speeds well over 400 knots and altitudes up to 45,000 feet, while operating out of airports as short as 3,000 feet and still providing the comfort of a mid-sized cabin. Mid-size aircraft owners finally had a tool that efficiently allowed optimum comfort and could gain them access to their preferred airport locations. There was and still is only one solution for those in need of fulfilling the “typical” business jet mission (2-6 passengers, under 2 hour legs) but wanting to retain the comfort of a stand up cabin, private aft lavatory, more than ample baggage, an APU (optional on Excel, standard on XLS and XLS+) and outstanding runway performance: the Citation 560XL.
These breakthroughs also resulted in the 560XL becoming a best-selling favorite with fractional ownership and jet card operators, with over 160 aircraft in service primarily with
NetJets and CitationAir (formerly CitationShares). While enjoying its best seller status for many years now, the 560XL initially seemed immune from economic downturns. It was one of the very few aircraft that still retained 100+% of its original selling price during the difficult times after 9/11. This was a first for the mid-size market segment. The mid-size market suffered terribly in all previous downturns as it was dominated by very expensive aircraft to operate like the Falcon, Hawker and even the Citation III series, combined with many financially marginal owners moving up to one of these more expensive models during good times. Until the Excel, the mid-size market led economic downturns as they were simply too expensive for their owners to maintain – last in, first out.
Nonetheless, the Excel finally meant its match in this latest government-induced economic mess. Like other business jet models, current pre-owned availability of the Citation 560XL series are high, presenting a “buyer’s market” at levels never before seen for this type. Excel prices have fallen considerably and, due to its unique capabilities and low operating cost, we consider it one of the best business aircraft values. Excels that were trading over $7 million a few years ago are now bringing in the $4 million range. This price point represents a tremendous, likely historic, opportunity for buyer’s seeking aircraft with mid-sized comfort, light jet capabilities and economics. Excels have little to no used-aircraft competitive market pressure from like-types, which is very unusual in today’s world of aircraft manufacturing over-capacity. We are placing many of our clients in these aircraft as a defensive hedge against further price erosion with upside potential in an improving market.
While those of us that have investments in business aircraft are the undeserving recipients of negative press, over-production/capacity, and general economic challenges, many owners are rationalizing down from large cabin to mid-sized aircraft based on their actual mission requirements. The need for safe, efficient and practical corporate transportation exists now more than ever. As companies seek to maximize their transportation efficiencies, many will find a real solution in the Citation Excel, XLS and XLS+ as the most practical value for securing the future.