Cessna Citation XLS vs Learjet 45
The Cessna Citation XLS and Learjet 45 are popular light/midsize jets often cross-shopped. The stand-up-cabin XLS offers a wider, taller midsize interior with easy handling, while the swept-wing, TFE731-powered Learjet 45 is a faster light jet with strong high-altitude cruise and a sleeker profile. Both are flown by a two-pilot crew.
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
Learjet 45
- For sale now
- 61
- Median asking
- $2,345,000
- Range
- $1,761,250–$7,125,000
- Model years available
- 1999–2012
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 | Learjet 45 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | — | 16 |
| Serious | — | 1 |
| Fatal | — | 3 |
| Fatalities | — | 15 |
| % Fatal | — | 19% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna Citation XLS | Learjet 45 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $2,276,000 – $13,736,000 | $1,761,250 – $7,125,000 |
| Category | Midsize Jet | Light Jet |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 9 | 9 |
| Cruise Speed | 433 kts (802 km/h) | 438 kts (811 km/h) |
| Range | 1,796 nm (3,326 km) | 2,120 nm (3,926 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 45,000 ft (13,716 m) | 51,000 ft (15,545 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 20,200 lbs (9,163 kg) | 21,500 lbs (9,752 kg) |
| Useful Load | 6,000 lbs (2,722 kg) | 5,200 lbs (2,359 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 950.0 gal (3596 L) | 575.0 gal (2176 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 185.0 GPH (700 L/h) | 170.0 GPH (643 L/h) |
| TBO | 4,500 hrs | 5,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $400,000 | $400,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $350,000 | $350,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $2,400 | $2,500 |
| 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
Learjet 45
Fuel$935/hr
Variable$2,500/hr
Annual Fixed$350,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$850,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna Citation XLS or Learjet 45?
Bottom line: Choose the XLS for a larger stand-up cabin and broad Citation support; pick the Learjet 45 for swept-wing speed and a classic jet feel. Cabin size, operating costs, and service-network availability typically decide this pairing.
Pick the Citation XLS if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$2400/hr vs $2500/hr.
- Newer design — production from 2003 vs 1997.
Pick the 45 if…
- Budget matters — from $1,761,250 vs $2,276,000, you save ~$514,750.
- Faster cruise — 438 kts vs 433 kts.
- Longer range — 2120 nm vs 1796 nm.
- More inventory — 61 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 Learjet 45?
Service network versus heritage. The Citation XLS (Model 560XL) uses Pratt & Whitney Canada PW545B engines, seats eight, cruises approximately 441 kt with approximately 1,800 nm range — backed by Textron Aviation's extensive Citation Service Center network. The Learjet 45 uses Honeywell TFE731-20 engines, seats nine, cruises approximately 465 kt with approximately 2,000 nm range — and requires two pilots.
Citation XLS or Learjet 45 — which mid-size jet?
Buy the Citation XLS for its wider stand-up cabin and Textron Aviation's service network. Buy the Learjet 45 for a slightly larger cabin, higher speed (465 versus 441 kt), and more range (2,000 versus 1,800 nm). Both aircraft are flown two-crew, so cabin comfort, speed/range, and service-network availability decide the comparison.
How do speed and range compare in practice?
On a 1,000-nm leg, the Learjet's ~24-kt speed advantage saves only a few minutes — not operationally meaningful. On a 1,800-nm leg (the XLS's limit), the Learjet's extra range enables a non-stop leg the XLS cannot cover. Range matters more than the speed difference in practical comparisons.
How do specs compare?
Citation XLS: two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW545B, eight seats, ~441 kt, ~1,800 nm, two-crew. Learjet 45: two Honeywell TFE731-20, nine seats, ~465 kt, ~2,000 nm, two-pilot required.
Which has better service support?
The Citation Service Center network is one of the largest in business aviation — a genuine advantage for XLS owners in markets outside major hubs. Honeywell/Learjet support is established but smaller. For operators who travel to diverse destinations, the XLS's support access is more consistent.
Which should I buy?
Citation XLS for its stand-up mid-size cabin and maximum service-network coverage. Learjet 45 for flight departments where crews are standard and the additional range and speed justify the two-pilot requirement. Both are competitive mid-size jets; cabin size, range, and service-network availability typically decide the comparison.
Which is better, Cessna Citation XLS or Learjet 45?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Citation XLS cruises at 433 kts with 1,796 nm range.
The 45 cruises at 438 kts with 2,120 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Learjet 45: from $3,995,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna Citation XLS and Learjet 45?
Citation XLS engine: PRATT & WHITNEY PW545B.
45 engine: Garrett TFE731-20-AR.
Cruise: 433 vs 438 kts.
Range: 1796 vs 2120 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Citation XLS: about $2400/hr variable cost.
45: about $2500/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.
45: 9 seats / 5,200 lb useful load.
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.
45: 5,000-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