Citation Excel Buying Guide
The Citation Excel, a Super Light Jet, is a popular choice known for its blend of performance and comfort. This Cessna model offers a range of 3700 km and can reach a cruising speed of 780 km/h, ideal for business or leisure travel. With a capacity for eight passengers, it is particularly suited for executives and entrepreneurs seeking a reliable and efficient aircraft for frequent travel.
For potential buyers, the Citation Excel represents a sound investment, whether for personal use or for charter operations. This buying guide will provide a detailed analysis of the market, operating costs, and purchase or charter options to help you make an informed decision.
Pillar link: Citation Excel
This guide covers the following sections: Citation Excel Market and Budget, Operating Costs, Buy or Charter, Where to Buy, Owner Reviews, and Finalizing the Acquisition.
Citation Excel Market and Budget
New and Used Prices
| Condition | Low Range | High Range | Note |
|---|
| New | 14.0M USD | 14.0M USD | List Price |
| Used | 3.0M USD | 7.5M USD | Depending on age and condition |
The used jet market is dynamic, with prices fluctuating based on the aircraft’s age, condition, and added avionics upgrades. The Citation Excel, despite being an older model, remains popular for its reliability and reasonable operating costs.
Availability and Lead Times
The Citation Excel has over 900 aircraft in its global fleet. Transaction times for a used aircraft typically range from 3 to 6 months, while a new aircraft often requires an order lead time of 12 to 18 months due to full order books at Cessna.
Residual Value
| Reference | Value USD | Estimated Value n+3 | Estimated Value n+5 | Depreciation |
|---|
| New | 14.0M USD | 11.1M USD | 9.1M USD | ~35% over 5 years |
The residual value of a Citation Excel is influenced by factors such as regular maintenance, avionics updates, and market conditions. Well-maintained and modernized aircraft tend to retain better value in the long term.
Full Initial Budget
| Item | Estimated Amount | % of Purchase Price |
|---|
| Purchase | 14.0M USD | 100% |
| PPI Fees (0.5-1%) | 70,000-140,000 USD | 0.5-1% |
| Legal Fees | 50,000 USD | ~0.36% |
| First Year Insurance | 120,000 USD | ~0.86% |
| Potential Modifications | 200,000 USD | ~1.43% |
| Total | 14.44M-14.51M USD | ~103-104% |
Citation Excel Operating Costs (OpEx)
Annual Fixed Costs
| Item | Annual Cost USD | Notes |
|---|
| Crew (2 pilots + HA) | 300,000 USD | Salaries and benefits |
| Hangar | 150,000 USD | Location variable |
| Hull Insurance | 120,000 USD | Based on insured value |
| Engine Contracts JSSI/MSP | 200,000 USD | Prepaid maintenance |
| Navigation Subscriptions | 30,000 USD | Software and updates |
| Total | 800,000 USD | |
Variable Costs per Hour
| Item | Cost/hour USD | Assumptions |
|---|
| Fuel | 405 USD | 450 L/h at 0.9 USD/L |
| Scheduled Maintenance | 800 USD | Based on history |
| Airport/Navigation Fees | 250 USD | Varies by itinerary |
| Total Variable | 1,900-3,567 USD | Depending on usage and itinerary |
Maintenance Deadlines
| Type | Hours Interval | Estimated Cost USD | Downtime Duration |
|---|
| Check A | 600h | 20,000 USD | 2-3 days |
| Check B | 1200h | 50,000 USD | 5-7 days |
| Check C | 2400h | 200,000 USD | 3-6 weeks |
| Engine TBO | 5000h | 500,000 USD | Several weeks |
JSSI/ESP/MSP programs offer prepaid coverage for major maintenance costs, allowing expenses to be smoothed over the ownership period.
Annual Comparison by Usage Intensity
| Item | 150h/year | 300h/year | 500h/year |
|---|
| Fixed Costs | 800,000 USD | 800,000 USD | 800,000 USD |
| Fuel | 60,750 USD | 121,500 USD | 202,500 USD |
| Maintenance | 349,275 USD | 698,550 USD | 1.2M USD |
| Fees | 27,000 USD | 54,000 USD | 90,000 USD |
| Annual Total | 1.2M USD | 1.7M USD | 2.3M USD |
These estimates help to better understand the impact of usage on total costs.
Buy or Charter a Citation Excel: Cost-Usage Arbitration
Initial Costs (Purchase vs. Charter)
Purchasing a Citation Excel requires significant upfront capital, while chartering offers flexibility with variable costs only. Charter is billed at approximately 3,000 EUR per flight hour, avoiding the heavy financial commitment of ownership.
5-Year Scenarios
| Scenario | Hours/year | Total 5-year Purchase Cost | Total 5-year Charter Cost | Difference |
|---|
| 150h | 750 | 21.5M USD | 12.75M EUR | -8.75M EUR |
| 300h | 1500 | 28.5M USD | 25.5M EUR | -3.0M EUR |
| 500h | 2500 | 40.0M USD | 42.5M EUR | +2.5M EUR |
Break-even Point
The break-even point is approximately 250 flight hours per year, where ownership costs become competitive compared to charter. This calculation is based on an analysis of fixed and variable costs compared to charter rates.
Link: Charter a Citation Excel
Where to Buy a Citation Excel
Buying through a specialized broker offers support throughout the transaction, while direct purchase can lead to savings. In all cases, rigorous due diligence is essential, including a pre-purchase inspection (PPI) to assess the aircraft’s condition.
Specialized Brokers vs. Direct Purchase
Brokers offer expertise and an extensive network to find the best deals, but involve commission fees. Direct purchase can be more economical, but requires in-depth knowledge of the market and purchasing procedures.
Citation Excel Owner Reviews
“The Citation Excel is an exceptional aircraft for its performance and cabin comfort. With a range of 3700 km, it’s perfect for transcontinental flights. Operating costs remain reasonable, especially with well-managed maintenance programs.”
— Aviation Director, Europe
“We chose the Citation Excel for its reliability and modern avionics. The Pro Line 21 systems are intuitive and facilitate flight management. The spacious cabin is a plus for passenger comfort.”
— Private Owner, North America
These testimonials highlight owner satisfaction with the versatility and quality of the Citation Excel.
Link: Read all Citation Excel reviews
Finalizing the Citation Excel Acquisition
Key Acquisition Steps
- Pre-agreement
- PPI (Pre-Purchase Inspection)
- Legal/Tax Due Diligence
- Registration (N-number, F-XXXX, etc.)
- Insurance Transfer
Registration can be done in several registries, each offering specific advantages, such as favorable taxation or flexible operating conditions.
Financing
Several financing options are available to buyers: aviation bank loans, operational leasing, finance leasing, and fractional ownership. Each method offers advantages depending on the buyer’s profile and financial objectives.
| Financing Method | Required Down Payment | Indicative Rate | Duration |
|---|
| Aviation Bank Loan | 20-30% | 4-7% | 5-10 years |
| Operational Leasing | 0-10% | 5-8% | 3-7 years |
| Finance Leasing | 15-25% | 5-9% | 5-12 years |
