Aircraft Review: Cessna Citation Latitude

Photo Credit: Textron Aviation

Photo Credit: Textron Aviation

As is standard in most private aircraft, the Citation Latitude’s cockpit features two ergonomic, sheepskin-covered pilot’s seats and conventional control columns. The Citation Latitude’s flight deck features the Garmin G5000 avionics system, with four full-color touch-screen displays and primary flight displays. The flight deck also includes the Garmin SVT synthetic vision system, fully integrated auto-throttles, transponders with ADS-B Out capability, a flight data recorder (ICAO Type IA) and the LINXUS on-board diagnostic system for transmitting real-time maintenance and operational information reporting.

The Cessna Citation Latitude offers two floorplan options: standard and optional side-facing seat configuration, both of which offer a flat floor vs. a traditional trench floor, found in all previous Citation models. Both options can be seen below; for the purposes of this review, we’ll focus on the standard configuration.

Photo Credit: Textron Aviation

Photo Credit: Textron Aviation

In the standard floorplan configuration, travelers board through the main entryway opposite a two-person divan with under-seat storage. To the left is a smaller-size galley with added storage capability, allowing space for an optional espresso maker and microwave oven.

Photo Credit: Textron Aviation

The main cabin, which immediately begins to the right, features 10 cabin windows and six fully articulating, berthable executive seats. The first four seats are arranged in a club configuration around retractable tables and provide 30 in (76.2 cm) of leg room. An additional row of seats is located behind the club configuration, just before the lavatory.

Photo Credit: Textron Aviation

The Citation Latitude has a surprisingly spacious lavatory — according to Textron, 60% more spacious than comparable aircraft — at 6 ft (1.93 m) high, 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) wide and approximately 4 ft (1.22 m) deep. The lavatory includes a belted lavatory seat and additional storage capacity, including a small closet. The aft baggage is similarly spacious with a capacity of up to 1,000 lbs. and a volume of 100 cu. ft (2.83 cu. m).

Photo Credit: Textron Aviation

Textron offers multiple cabin design presets, as well as a wide range of customization options, so prospective buyers can tailor their Citation Latitude to their specific tastes.

The Citation Latitude’s integrated wireless cabin management system includes built-in touchscreen galley in-flight entertainment system controls. Travelers also have the option to control window shades, cabin temperature, lighting, music and movies from their mobile device. Domestic Wi-Fi is available. With mounted screens at every seat and an iOS web-based system (called “Clarity Wireless”), the Latitude offers passengers wireless access to a library of information and entertainment from their own personal devices.

Photo Credit: Textron Aviation

The Citation Latitude’s exterior design is overall unique, but also incorporates proven design elements from previous Citation models, including the XLS+ and the Sovereign+. The Latitude utilizes the same wing design as the Sovereign+, which has a 16-degree sweep; this contributes to its high-performance characteristics. The Latitude’s tail design is modeled after both the XLS+ and the Sovereign+. It’s fuselage design, however, is entirely unique and is noticeably wider than prior Citation models. The Latitude also has other slight design variations from prior Citation models, including a larger entrance door. The Latitude features twin Pratt & Whitney PW306D1 FADEC-controlled turbofan engines, noted for their claims of reliability and fuel efficiency.

Acquisition Cost

The acquisition cost for a new Citation Latitude is generally in the range of $18 million to $19.5 million, depending on various options. Given that the Latitude is still a relatively new model and is currently in high demand (and short supply), with average utilization, pre-owned pricing is in the realm of 80% of new retail pricing.

Note: All direct operating costs listed are estimated; actual expenses will vary based on total annual flight hours.

Source: Conklin de Decker

Note: All fixed costs listed are estimated; actual expenses will vary based on crew experience and certifications, hangar location, coverage and so on.

Source: Conklin de Decker

The answer to that question depends on a number of factors, including but not limited to your anticipated usage, average trip length, how many passengers you typically travel with and more. For certain, the Citation Latitude’s performance deserves consideration as a viable solution to effectively, comfortably and efficiently serve many popular U.S. city pairs. However, as with every aircraft, it is important to evaluate and compare your specific travel needs with the available and designed performance of the aircraft.

Here at Essex Aviation, we advise clients to base their decision on which model aircraft will accommodate at least 80% to 85% of their primary travel needs. If that same aircraft is unable to accommodate the remaining 15% to 20% of your secondary travel needs, alternative arrangements can be made.

Whether you’re interested in the Citation Latitude or any other comparable mid-size business jet, it’s important to have professional support to ensure that you find the aircraft that meets your exact needs. With a combined 100+ years of experience in the aviation industry, the consultants at Essex Aviation have a proven track record of helping high-net-worth individuals identify and acquire the ideal aircraft based on their unique travel requirements.

Let Essex Aviation make your acquisition as seamless as possible — contact us today to get started.