Flat Floors and Better Fuel: Why the Citation Latitude is defining the new Midsized private jet category.

For the better part of the last decade, the Midsized private jet category seemed to be suffering from an identity crisis. The market was being squeezed from both ends. On one side, high-performance Super Light Jets like the Phenom 300 and the Citation XLS (560XL series) became the go-to for European city-hopping. On the other, larger Super Midsized jets like the Challenger 350 and the Legacy 500 offered transcontinental range for those willing to pay the premium.

The traditional Midsized Jet, once dominated by the venerable Hawker 900 series, was increasingly overlooked. However, we are currently witnessing a "Midsize Renaissance" across Europe. This rebirth is almost entirely driven by one aircraft: the Cessna Citation Latitude.

At Jet Members, we have observed a significant influx of Latitudes into the European charter market over the last 24 months. This surge in availability has not only stabilised pricing but has redefined what a midsized cabin should feel like. If you are a regular flyer of the Citation XLS or the Hawker 900, the Latitude presents a compelling argument for an upgrade.

The 'Flat Floor' Advantage: A Game Changer for Comfort

In the world of private aviation, the floor of the cabin is often an overlooked detail, until you step onto one. For decades, Midsized Jets utilised a 'dropped aisle' or 'trenched' design. This was a clever engineering trick to provide more standing room in the centre of the cabin while keeping the overall fuselage diameter small. The downside was a cramped feeling and the constant risk of tripping when moving from your seat to the aisle.

The Citation Latitude changed the narrative by introducing a true flat floor. When you combine this with a six-foot-high (1.83m) stand-up cabin, the interior feels more like a Super Midsized Jet than a traditional Midsized aircraft.

For missions up to five hours, typical for a flight from London to Athens or Edinburgh to Larnaca, this extra volume is transformative. It allows for a spacious forward club-four seating arrangement and a comfortable mid-cabin divan. If you are used to the 5.1ft height of older Light Jets, the Latitude's 6ft height and 6.42ft width offer a level of "airiness" that significantly reduces travel fatigue.

Efficiency: The Economics of 252 Gallons Per Hour

While passengers care about the cabin, the "crux" of the Latitude’s dominance in the European market is its operational efficiency. Historically, moving up to a larger cabin meant a significant jump in fuel consumption and maintenance costs. The Hawker 900XP, while a reliable workhorse, is notoriously thirsty, typically burning upwards of 260–270 gallons per hour.

The Citation Latitude, despite its much larger cabin and more modern avionics, is remarkably efficient. On average, it burns approximately 252 GPH. When you factor in the extended maintenance intervals that Cessna has engineered into the Citation line, the direct operating costs are among the lowest in the midsize segment.

For the charter client, this efficiency translates to more competitive hourly rates. It bridges the gap between the economical Super Light category and the expensive Super Midsized category. It provides the "big jet feel" without the "big jet fuel bill."

Range and Mission Capability Across Europe

Europe is a unique market. Most missions are under three hours, but the Citation Latitude's ability to fly farther south or east without a fuel stop is a major logistical advantage. The Latitude boasts a range of approximately 2,700 to 2,850 nautical miles.

In practical terms, this means non-stop flights from London to almost anywhere in Europe, North Africa, or even the Middle East on certain configurations. Whether you are planning private jet ski trips or a summer getaway to Portugal, the Latitude handles these missions with ease.

The aircraft’s performance on shorter runways also opens up smaller, more convenient airports that larger Heavy Jets might struggle to access. This flexibility is a core reason why major European operators have been aggressively adding Latitudes to their fleets.

The Security Screening Crux: XLS vs. Citation Latitude

Perhaps the most nuanced point for our members to consider is the "security threshold." This is where the choice between a Super Light Jet like the Citation XLS and a Midsized Jet like the Citation Latitude becomes a strategic decision rather than just a luxury one.

In many European and UK airports, the Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) of an aircraft dictates the security protocols. Aircraft below a certain weight threshold (often 10 tonnes in specific jurisdictions, or based on passenger capacity) can occasionally benefit from more streamlined handling through smaller FBOs (Fixed Base Operators).

The Citation XLS is the quintessential Super Light Jet. It is fast, efficient, and often sits just on the right side of these operational thresholds, allowing for the fastest possible "kerb-to-cabin" experience.

When you move up to the Latitude, you are stepping into a heavier class of aircraft. While the cabin comfort is vastly superior, you may find that at certain major hubs, the security screening requirements are more stringent, mirroring those of commercial passengers or larger long-range jets.

So, the question for the frequent traveller becomes: Is the extra cabin height and flat floor worth the potential extra 15 minutes in the terminal? For a one-hour flight to Paris, perhaps not. For a four-hour flight to Istanbul, the Latitude is almost certainly the better choice.

Is This the End of the Hawker Era?

The Hawker 900 series has been the dominant midsized aircraft for decades. It is a sturdy, well-loved machine with a "built like a tank" reputation. However, the influx of Citation Latitudes is likely the final nail in the coffin for the Hawker’s dominance in Europe.

The Hawker 900 suffers from three main drawbacks when compared to the Latitude:

1. Maintenance Costs: As the Hawker fleet ages, parts become more expensive and downtime increases.

2. Cabin Design: The Hawker has a traditional dropped aisle, which feels dated and cramped compared to the Latitude’s flat floor.

3. Fuel Burn: As mentioned, the higher fuel burn of the Hawker makes it increasingly difficult for operators to price competitively against the more efficient Cessna.
   

While the Hawker still has a loyal following for its specific handling characteristics and robust build, the modern charter market is voting with its feet (and its wallets) in favour of the Citation Latitude.

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Trip

At Jet Members, we pride ourselves on helping our clients navigate these technical nuances. The "Midsize Renaissance" is good news for everyone; it means more modern, efficient, and comfortable aircraft are available at prices that were previously reserved for much smaller jets.

If you are currently using a Super Light Jet but find yourself wishing for more head height, or if you are using a Super Midsized Jet for shorter hops and want to reduce your charter spend, the Citation Latitude is the perfect middle ground.

To learn more about how the Latitude compares to other options in our fleet, you might find our guide on private jet charter pricing or our breakdown of Super Light private jet charter helpful.

The European market is evolving, and the Latitude is currently leading the charge. Whether you are flying for business or leisure, the combination of a flat floor, low fuel burn and generous range makes it an difficult option to beat.