Citation Ultra Buying Guide
The Cessna Citation Ultra positions itself as a Super Light Jet, offering an ideal combination of performance, comfort, and controlled operating costs. Designed to meet the needs of demanding business travelers, this model is particularly appreciated for its ability to reach a cruising speed of 740 km/h and a range of 3,700 km, while comfortably carrying up to six passengers. Its buyer profile includes companies looking to optimize their intercity travel, as well as affluent individuals seeking a fast and flexible mode of transport.
In this guide, we will explore the key aspects to consider when acquiring a Citation Ultra. We will cover the market and budget, operating costs, the trade-off between buying and chartering, purchasing platforms, owner reviews, and the final acquisition steps. For a more detailed overview, visit our Citation Ultra page.
Citation Ultra Market and Budget
New and Used Prices
| Condition | Low Range | High Range | Note |
|---|
| New | 4.4M USD | 4.4M USD | List Price |
| Used | 2.2M USD | 3.8M USD | Depending on condition and age |
The Citation Ultra market is dynamic, with solid demand fueled by its reputation for reliability and competitive operating costs. The price of a new aircraft is set at 4.4 million USD. However, the used market offers interesting opportunities, with prices ranging between 2.2 and 3.8 million USD, depending on the aircraft’s condition and maintenance history.
Availability and Lead Times
The Citation Ultra is well-represented in global fleets, with several hundred units in service. The average time to complete a transaction in the used market is approximately 3 to 6 months. For a new aircraft, the order book can result in a delivery time of up to 12 months, depending on the chosen customization options.
Residual Value
| Reference | Value USD | Estimated Value n+3 | Estimated Value n+5 | Depreciation |
|---|
| New | 4.4M USD | ~3.5M USD | ~2.9M USD | ~35% over 5 years |
The residual value of a Citation Ultra is influenced by several factors, including regular maintenance, avionics upgrades, and business aviation market trends. A depreciation of approximately 35% over 5 years is typical, reflecting the stability of this type of aircraft in the secondary market.
Full Initial Budget
| Item | Estimated Amount | % of Purchase Price |
|---|
| Purchase Price | 4.4M USD | 100% |
| PPI Fees (0.5-1%) | 22,000-44,000 USD | 0.5-1% |
| Legal Fees | 20,000 USD | 0.45% |
| First Year Insurance | 60,000 USD | 1.36% |
| Potential Modifications | 50,000 USD | 1.14% |
| Total | 4.55M USD - 4.57M USD | 103.36% - 103.86% |
Citation Ultra Operating Costs (OpEx)
Annual Fixed Costs
| Item | Annual Cost USD | Notes |
|---|
| Crew (2 pilots + HA) | 250,000 | Includes salaries and training |
| Hangar | 100,000 | Depending on location |
| Hull Insurance | 60,000 | Varies by insured value |
| Engine Contracts JSSI/MSP | 30,000 | Protection against unforeseen costs |
| Navigation Subscriptions | 10,000 | Regular avionics updates |
| Total | 450,000 USD | |
Variable Costs per Hour
| Item | Cost/hour USD | Assumptions |
|---|
| Fuel | 405 | 450 L/h at 0.9 USD/L |
| Scheduled Maintenance | 200-400 | Depending on maintenance program |
| Airport/Navigation Fees | 100-200 | Varies by airport |
| Total Variable | 900-1,300 USD | |
Maintenance Deadlines
| Type | Hours Interval | Estimated Cost USD | Downtime Duration |
|---|
| Check A | 200h | 10,000 | 2-3 days |
| Check B | 600h | 25,000 | 5-7 days |
| Check C | 1200h | 100,000 | 3-6 weeks |
| Engine TBO | 3600h | 200,000 | 6-8 weeks |
Adherence to maintenance programs such as JSSI, ESP, or MSP is highly recommended to stabilize maintenance costs and ensure optimal performance.
Annual Comparison by Usage Intensity
| Item | 150h/year | 300h/year | 500h/year |
|---|
| Fixed Costs | 450,000 USD | 450,000 USD | 450,000 USD |
| Fuel | 60,750 USD | 121,500 USD | 202,500 USD |
| Maintenance | 104,250 USD | 208,500 USD | 347,500 USD |
| Fees | 27,000 USD | 54,000 USD | 90,000 USD |
| Annual Total | 642,000 USD | 834,000 USD | 1.1M USD |
Buy or Charter a Citation Ultra: Cost-Usage Trade-off
Initial Costs (Purchase vs. Charter)
Purchasing a Citation Ultra ties up significant capital, with an initial cost of approximately 4.4 million USD. In contrast, chartering at 2,500 EUR/h offers financial flexibility, although costs can accumulate quickly with intensive use.
5-Year Scenarios
| Scenario | Hours/year | Total 5-year Purchase Cost | Total 5-year Charter Cost | Difference |
|---|
| 150h | 750 | 7.21M USD | 9.38M USD | -2.17M USD |
| 300h | 1500 | 8.34M USD | 18.75M USD | -10.41M USD |
| 500h | 2500 | 9.9M USD | 31.25M USD | -21.35M USD |
Break-even Point
The break-even point for purchasing a Citation Ultra is around 250 hours per year. Beyond this point, purchase costs are amortized more efficiently compared to chartering. For more details, consult our Charter a Citation Ultra page.
Where to Buy a Citation Ultra
Purchasing through a specialized broker offers advantages in terms of negotiation and transactional security, although it may incur additional fees. Direct purchase, on the other hand, can be more economical but requires rigorous due diligence, including a pre-purchase inspection (PPI).
Specialized Brokers vs. Direct Purchase
Specialized brokers bring valuable expertise in managing complex transactions, ensuring fair valuation and legal compliance. However, direct purchase can reduce intermediary costs. Each approach has its merits, depending on the buyer’s priorities.
Citation Ultra Owner Reviews
“The Citation Ultra offers an unparalleled combination of performance and comfort. Its cruising speed of 740 km/h and range of 3,700 km perfectly meet our rapid travel needs. Furthermore, its operating costs are very competitive compared to other jets in its category.”
— SME Director, Europe
“As a Citation Ultra owner, I particularly appreciate its reliability and the quality of its Honeywell Primus-1000 avionics suite. Maintenance is simplified thanks to JSSI programs, and its total cost of ownership remains reasonable.”
— CEO, North America
Citation Ultra owners are unanimous about the reliability and operating economy of this aircraft. Its flight performance and comfortable cabin make it a preferred choice for frequent business travel. For more testimonials, visit Read all Citation Ultra reviews.
Finalizing the Citation Ultra Acquisition
Key Acquisition Steps
- Pre-agreement and initial negotiations
- Pre-purchase inspection (PPI)
- Legal and tax due diligence
- Registration (N-number, F-XXXX, etc.)
- Insurance transfer
Registration is a crucial step, offering tax and operational advantages depending on the chosen registry, whether in the USA, the Cayman Islands, Malta, or France.
Financing
Financing options include aviation bank loans, with rates ranging from 4 to 7% depending on the borrower’s profile, as well as leasing and finance leasing solutions. Fractional ownership can also be considered to reduce acquisition costs.
| Financing Method | Required Down Payment | Indicative Rate | Duration |
|---|
| Aviation Bank Loan | 20-30% | 4-7% | 5-10 years |
| Operational Lease | 0-10% | 5-8% | 3-7 years |
| Finance Lease | 15-25% | 5-9% | 5-12 years |
