The True Operating Cost of Cessna Citation X
The Cessna Citation X is the world's fastest in-production business jet offering 12-seat capacity, exceptional range, and unmatched speed. Plan for $840,000–$1,080,000 annually in operating costs at 100 flight hours, or $8,400–$10,800 per hour. The Citation X dominates ultra-long-range markets.
Quick Specs: Cessna Citation X
| Specification | Citation X |
|---|---|
| Engines | 2 × Rolls-Royce BR710A2-20 (14,750 lbf thrust each) |
| Fuel Burn | 345–380 gal/hr cruise |
| Cruise Speed | Mach 0.92 (617 mph) |
| Service Ceiling | 51,000 ft |
| Useful Load | 8,500–9,200 lbs |
| Seats | 12 |
| Range | 5,200–6,000 nm |
TL;DR: Cessna Citation X Annual Operating Cost Summary
- Fixed costs: $320,000–$420,000/year (insurance $120,000–$180,000, hangar $120,000–$160,000, annuals $60,000–$80,000, crew)
- Variable costs at 100 hours: $520,000–$660,000/year (Jet-A fuel, oils, engine reserves)
- Total at 100 hours: $840,000–$1,080,000/year (~$8,400–$10,800/hour)
- Finance a $54,000,000 Citation X: Add $945,000/month ($11,340,000/year) at 6.5% over 12 years
- At 50 hours: ~$680,000–$900,000/year (~$13,600–$18,000/hour)
- At 200 hours: ~$1,360,000–$1,740,000/year (~$6,800–$8,700/hour)
Ultra-Long-Range Jet Operating Costs
Fixed Costs
- Insurance: $120,000–$180,000/year for $45M–$60M hull
- Hangar: $120,000–$160,000/year (ultra-long-range facility)
- Annual inspection: $60,000–$80,000 labor
- Crew training/proficiency: $40,000–$60,000/year
Variable Costs (per flight hour)
- Jet-A fuel: 362.5 gal/hr × $5.50/gal = ~$1,993/hour
- Oil and lubricants: $50–$75/hour
- Engine reserves: $55–$62/hour ($280K per engine ÷ 5,000 TBO × 2)
- Avionics/systems: $400–$600/hour
- Landing/handling fees: $500–$1,500/landing
- Maintenance reserves: $350–$500/hour
Jet Fuel & Operating Economics
Fuel Cost by Hours
| Annual Hours | Gallons Jet-A | Cost @ $5.50/gal | $/Hour |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 18,125 | $99,687 | $1,993 |
| 100 | 36,250 | $199,375 | $1,993 |
| 150 | 54,375 | $299,062 | $1,993 |
| 200 | 72,500 | $398,750 | $1,993 |
Maintenance & Engine Reserves
Rolls-Royce BR710A2-20 Engines
- BR710A2-20: 5,000 hours TBO
- Overhaul cost: $280,000–$350,000 per engine
- Combined reserve: $630,000 ÷ 5,000 = $126/hour
- Reliability: Proven turbofan with excellent support
Ultra-Long-Range Jet Maintenance
- Engine system checks: $30,000–$45,000/year
- Avionics updates: $25,000–$40,000/year
- Pressurization/environmental: $15,000–$25,000/year
- Landing gear service: $10,000–$15,000/year
- Budget: $450–$600/hour for all maintenance
Insurance & Storage
Ultra-Long-Range Insurance
- $45,000,000 hull: $120,000–$150,000/year
- $60,000,000 hull: $160,000–$200,000/year
- Corporate operations: +25–50% premium
Storage Costs
| Option | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Ultra-Hangar | $10,000–$13,000 | $120,000–$160,000 |
| Tie-Down | $2,000–$3,500 | $24,000–$42,000 |
Annual Ownership Scenarios
Operating Cost (Not Financed)
| Hours/Year | Fixed | Variable | Total | $/Hour |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | $370,000 | $360,000 | $730,000 | $14,600 |
| 100 | $370,000 | $720,000 | $1,090,000 | $10,900 |
| 200 | $370,000 | $1,440,000 | $1,810,000 | $9,050 |
Total Cost of Ownership (With Financing)
Assume $54,000,000 Cessna Citation X, 6.5% APR, 12 years = $11,340,000/year debt service.
| Hours/Year | Operating | Finance | Total | $/Hour |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | $1,090,000 | $11,340,000 | $12,430,000 | $124,300 |
| 200 | $1,810,000 | $11,340,000 | $13,150,000 | $65,750 |
Financing the Cessna Citation X
- Purchase price: $45,000,000–$65,000,000
- Down payment: 15–20%
- Loan amount: $39,000,000–$56,000,000
- Term: 12–15 years
- APR: 5.75–7.0% (2025)
- Monthly payment: $800,000–$1,600,000
Lender Requirements: 700+ credit, aviation experience, $10,000,000+ net worth, detailed flight plan, hull insurance $45M+. Lenders like JakenAviation support ultra-luxury aircraft financing.
Cessna Citation X vs. Competitors
- vs. Gulfstream G650: Citation X faster; G650 more comfortable
- vs. Bombardier Global 7500: Citation X highest speed; Global 7500 larger
Get prequalified for ultra-luxury jet financing »
Sources: Cessna Aircraft Specs | AOPA Owner Reports | FAA TCDS