CESSNA CITATION III

• Passengers 8

Combining long range and a top speed of Mach 0.83, the Citation III’s impressive performance made it one of the best-selling midsize jets of its era. Despite its age, it still competes with a host of modern business jets when it comes to speed and comfort.

About this aircraft

• Certified in 1982, the Citation III was the first of the Model 650 series of Citation jets.
• The aircraft is typically configured for six to eight passengers, with an extra seat available in the enclosed lavatory if needed.
• The Cessna Citation III can fly nonstop from London to most of Europe and New York to Houston.
• Its baggage hold has space for around five suitcases.
• Cessna stopped delivering the Citation III in 1992 after launching the upgraded Citation VI.

At the time of its release, the Citation III boasted one of the longest ranges and fastest cruise speeds of any midsize jet. Despite subsequent upgrades like the Citation VI and VII, the III remains a smooth and comfortable aircraft in today’s charter market.

Interior design

The Citation III’s stand-up cabin boasts comfortable seating and a fully enclosed lavatory. Headliner lighting and a custom window design make the most of natural light for a spacious and open feel. A typical configuration features a four-seat club section with two forward-facing seats at the rear and either a single or two-seat divan in the forward cabin.

Below is a standard configuration found inside a Cessna Citation III.

Interesting facts to learn before you fly

• Flights in the Citation III are smooth even in turbulence, as are taxiing and landings due to trailing link landing gear.
• The passenger seats recline, swivel and have adjustable armrests and footrests.
• With a top speed of Mach 0.83, the Citation III is faster than many newer competitors.
• The aircraft set a world record for the quickest midsize business jet flight from Gander International Airport in Canada to Paris–Le Bourget Airport in France, completing the journey in 5 hours and 13 minutes.

Technological features

Two Garrett TFE731-3B turbofan engines power the Citation III with 3,650 pounds of thrust. Inside, the Honeywell digital SPZ-8000 flight control system comes as standard. This includes many uncomplicated safety checkup systems, allowing vital flight systems to be checked easily at the press of a button.

History

In the late 1970s, Cessna set about building a new private jet that offered impressive range, speed, and performance while keeping costs low. An upgrade of the Citation II, the Citation III was also the first Model 650 in the Citation series, with an entirely new fuselage mated to a super-critical swept-back wing and a T-tail.

Development of the Citation III began in 1978, with its first test flight taking place a year later and the second prototype flying in May 1980. The aircraft received FAA type certification in 1982. Deliveries ceased 10 years later, following the announcement of the Citation VI.

Manufacturer

Cessna was founded in 1927 by Clyde Cessna and Victor Roos. It was originally called the Cessna-Roos Aircraft Company, but Roos’ name was dropped after he resigned just one month into the partnership and sold back his interest to Cessna.

Headquartered in Wichita, Kansas, the company specialised in producing small piston-powered planes and business jets. After becoming one of the world’s biggest general aviation producers, it was bought by General Dynamics in 1985 and by Textron in 1992. In March 2014, Cessna stopped operating as a subsidiary company and joined Beechcraft and Hawker as one of the three distinct brands produced by Textron Aviation.

Cost

Depending on several factors, the average price of a Cessna Citation III is $1 million (USD).

Wet lease rates

ACMI (aircraft, crew, maintenance, insurance) wet lease rates for the Cessna Citation III can vary depending on the age of the aircraft, length of lease term, number of block hours being guaranteed and average cycle ratio. Contact us for a personalised quote.