Cessna Citation Bravo vs Cessna Citation Encore
The Citation Bravo and the Citation Encore are two short-mission business jets Cessna produced simultaneously in the early 2000s — close enough in size and price to confuse buyers, different enough in cabin and range to matter. The Citation Bravo (Model 550B, 1996–2006) was the successor to the Citation II — a short-body twin with Pratt & Whitney Canada PW530A engines, approximately seven seats, and honest economics for three or four passengers on typical 800–1,200 nm missions. The Citation Encore (Model 560, 2000–2006) grew from the Citation V family — a slightly longer fuselage, PW535A engines with more thrust, and a range capability that extended the Encore's nonstop reach beyond the Bravo's. Both are legitimate mid-market used-jet options at broadly similar price points; the cross-shop is real and frequent.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
- For sale now
- 35
- Median asking
- $2,195,000
- Range
- $458,500–$2,850,000
- Model years available
- 1997–2006
- For sale now
- 18
- Model years available
- 2001–2005
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Cessna Citation Bravo | Cessna Citation Encore |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $458,500 – $2,850,000 | $2,501,500 – $3,721,500 |
| Category | Light Jet | Light Jet |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 8 | 9 |
| Cruise Speed | 370 kts (685 km/h) | 400 kts (741 km/h) |
| Range | 1,680 nm (3,111 km) | 1,900 nm (3,519 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 45,000 ft (13,716 m) | 45,000 ft (13,716 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 14,800 lbs (6,713 kg) | 16,630 lbs (7,543 kg) |
| Useful Load | 3,850 lbs (1,746 kg) | 4,500 lbs (2,041 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 470.0 gal (1779 L) | 515.0 gal (1949 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 130.0 GPH (492 L/h) | 145.0 GPH (549 L/h) |
| TBO | 4,500 hrs | 4,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $280,000 | $300,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $300,000 | $300,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $1,900 | $2,000 |
| Engines | 2 x Turbofan | 2 x Turbofan |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna Citation Bravo
Cessna Citation Encore
Which Should You Buy: Cessna Citation Bravo or Cessna Citation Encore?
Bottom line: Choose the Citation Bravo for the lowest total ownership cost in this segment of the Cessna Citation family — the PW530A burns less fuel than the Encore's PW535A, operating costs are well-documented, and a clean Bravo represents straightforward jet ownership for three to four passengers on domestic routes. Choose the Citation Encore for more range, a slightly larger cabin, and the PW535A's additional thrust that gives it better climb performance at higher weights or from shorter runways — on missions approaching or exceeding 1,200 nm the Encore's extended range capability becomes operationally meaningful. Safety axis: both the Encore and Bravo are Part 25 certified twin jets with proven Pratt & Whitney Canada powerplants and comparable safety records. The meaningful safety variable for any preowned Citation purchase is maintenance history — these aircraft frequently transition between Part 135 charter operations and Part 91 private ownership, and maintenance standards can vary significantly. Require full maintenance records tracing back through all operators, not just the last owner.
Pick the Citation Bravo if…
- Budget matters — from $458,500 vs $2,501,500, you save ~$2,043,000.
- Lower operating cost — ~$1900/hr vs $2000/hr.
- More inventory — 32 listings vs 18.
Pick the Citation Encore if…
- More seats — 9 vs 8.
- Faster cruise — 400 kts vs 370 kts.
- Longer range — 1900 nm vs 1680 nm.
- Newer design — production from 2000 vs 1997.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.