Cessna Citation XLS vs Hawker 800
The Hawker 800 series (mid-size, ~440 kt cruise with 800XP, ~2,500-2,800 nm range, stand-up cabin) competes against multiple Citations across classes — CJ4 (light), Citation V (light), XLS (mid), X (super-mid). The Hawker offers the wider stand-up mid-size cabin at older airframe pricing; the modern Citations offer current systems and stronger dispatch reliability.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Cessna Citation XLS
- For sale now
- 29
- Model years available
- 2004–2025
Hawker 800
- For sale now
- 55
- Median asking
- $2,072,500
- Range
- $1,212,500–$3,000,000
- Model years available
- 1985–2006
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
Safety Record
Absolute counts scale with fleet size — the most-produced types log more events without being less safe. Compare the % fatal.
| NTSB (1982–now) | Cessna Citation XLS | Hawker 800 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | — | 1 |
| Serious | — | 0 |
| Fatal | — | 0 |
| Fatalities | — | 0 |
| % Fatal | — | 0% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna Citation XLS | Hawker 800 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $2,276,000 – $13,736,000 | $1,212,500 – $3,000,000 |
| Category | Midsize Jet | Midsize Jet |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 9 | 8 |
| Cruise Speed | 433 kts (802 km/h) | 400 kts (741 km/h) |
| Range | 1,796 nm (3,326 km) | 2,825 nm (5,232 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 45,000 ft (13,716 m) | 41,000 ft (12,497 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 20,200 lbs (9,163 kg) | 27,400 lbs (12,429 kg) |
| Useful Load | 6,000 lbs (2,722 kg) | — |
| Fuel Capacity | 950.0 gal (3596 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 185.0 GPH (700 L/h) | 240.0 GPH (908 L/h) |
| TBO | 4,500 hrs | — |
| Overhaul Cost | $400,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $350,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $2,400 | — |
| Engines | 2 x Turbofan | 2 x Turbofan |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna Citation XLS
Fuel$1,018/hr
Variable$2,400/hr
Annual Fixed$350,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$830,000/yr
Hawker 800
Fuel$1,320/hr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna Citation XLS or Hawker 800?
Bottom line: Choose the modern Citation (CJ4/XLS/Sovereign) for current systems, single-pilot ease (light jets) and the proven Cessna service network. Choose the Hawker 800 only for the largest stand-up cabin at the lowest acquisition cost and budget for mandate upgrades and engine programs — a fundamentally older platform with thinner support post-Beechcraft.
Pick the Citation XLS if…
- More seats — 9 vs 8.
- Faster cruise — 433 kts vs 400 kts.
Pick the 800 if…
- Budget matters — from $1,212,500 vs $2,276,000, you save ~$1,063,500.
- Longer range — 2825 nm vs 1796 nm.
- More inventory — 56 listings vs 27.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the key difference between the Citation XLS and Hawker 800?
Origin and cabin width. The Hawker 800 (and 800XP) is a mid-size business jet derived from the British BAe 125 — two Honeywell TFE731-5BR engines, eight to nine seats, approximately 430 kt cruise, approximately 2,500 nm range, with a notably wide stand-up cabin. The Citation XLS uses Pratt & Whitney Canada PW545B engines, eight seats, approximately 441 kt cruise, approximately 1,800 nm range. The Hawker has a wider cabin and more range; the XLS has better avionics technology in later versions and a larger service network.
Citation XLS or Hawker 800 — which mid-size jet?
Buy the Citation XLS if Textron Aviation's Citation service network, slightly better cruise speed, and newer avionics technology are priorities. Buy the Hawker 800 if the wider cabin — among the most spacious in the mid-size category — and longer range (2,500 versus 1,800 nm) are mission requirements. The Hawker's cabin standard is its genuine operational advantage; the XLS's is its service network.
How do the cabins compare?
The Hawker 800's cabin is one of the widest and tallest in the mid-size jet category — genuine stand-up headroom and a flat floor with a true aisle. The Citation XLS has a good mid-size cabin, but the Hawker's interior volume is a meaningful step up for executive comfort on longer legs. If passengers regularly comment on cabin comfort, the Hawker 800 is the correct aircraft.
How do specs compare?
Citation XLS: two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW545B, eight seats, ~441 kt, ~1,800 nm. Hawker 800XP: two Honeywell TFE731-5BR, eight to nine seats, ~430 kt, ~2,500 nm.
Which has better service support?
Textron Aviation's Citation Service Center network is among the largest and most accessible business-jet support infrastructures in the world — a genuine advantage for the XLS. Honeywell (Hawker successor) support exists but the Hawker network is smaller. For operators outside major aviation hubs, the XLS's support access is a practical operational advantage.
Which should I buy?
Citation XLS for a best-in-class service network, modern avionics, and solid mid-size jet capability. Hawker 800 for the widest cabin in the mid-size category and 2,500 nm range — when cabin volume and range define the mission. Both are capable aircraft; service network versus cabin standard is the deciding comparison.
Which is better, Cessna Citation XLS or Hawker 800?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Citation XLS cruises at 433 kts with 1,796 nm range.
The 800 cruises at 400 kts with 2,825 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna Citation XLS and Hawker 800?
Citation XLS engine: PRATT & WHITNEY PW545B.
Seats: 9 vs 8.
Cruise: 433 vs 400 kts.
Range: 1796 vs 2825 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Citation XLS: about $2400/hr variable cost.
Variable cost includes fuel, reserves and overhaul accruals. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add to the total.
Which has more seats and useful load?
Citation XLS: 9 seats / 6,000 lb useful load.
800: 8 seats.
Useful load = max gross weight minus empty weight; it determines how much fuel plus payload you can carry.
How does maintenance compare — TBO and overhaul cost?
Citation XLS: 4,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$400,000.
Reaching the time-between-overhaul (TBO) triggers a mandatory engine/airframe rebuild that affects resale value.
Disclaimer: All prices and cost estimates are from third-party sources for informational purposes only. Always obtain professional appraisal and inspection before purchase.
Prices updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data