Cessna Citation XLS vs Learjet 60
The Learjet 60 (midsize, ~466 kt) and Citation XLS (mid-size, ~441 kt) are mid-size rivals — the Learjet is faster with the swept-wing identity; the XLS has the segment-defining mid-size cabin and best-selling track record.
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 60
- For sale now
- 44
- Median asking
- $3,650,000
- Range
- $2,331,500–$4,975,000
- Model years available
- 1994–2013
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 60 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | — | 8 |
| Serious | — | 0 |
| Fatal | — | 0 |
| Fatalities | — | 0 |
| % Fatal | — | 0% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna Citation XLS | Learjet 60 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $2,276,000 – $13,736,000 | $2,331,500 – $4,975,000 |
| Category | Midsize Jet | Midsize Jet |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 9 | 10 |
| Cruise Speed | 433 kts (802 km/h) | 438 kts (811 km/h) |
| Range | 1,796 nm (3,326 km) | 2,405 nm (4,454 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 45,000 ft (13,716 m) | 51,000 ft (15,545 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 20,200 lbs (9,163 kg) | 23,500 lbs (10,660 kg) |
| Useful Load | 6,000 lbs (2,722 kg) | 5,800 lbs (2,631 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 950.0 gal (3596 L) | 635.0 gal (2403 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 185.0 GPH (700 L/h) | 185.0 GPH (700 L/h) |
| TBO | 4,500 hrs | 5,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $400,000 | $450,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $350,000 | $380,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $2,400 | $2,800 |
| 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 60
Fuel$1,018/hr
Variable$2,800/hr
Annual Fixed$380,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$940,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna Citation XLS or Learjet 60?
Bottom line: Choose the Citation XLS for the proven mid-size cabin, Cessna support and lower operating cost. Choose the Learjet 60 for ~25 kt more speed and ramp presence — accepting the narrower Learjet cabin.
Pick the Citation XLS if…
- Budget matters — from $2,276,000 vs $2,331,500, you save ~$55,500.
- Lower operating cost — ~$2400/hr vs $2800/hr.
- Newer design — production from 2003 vs 1993.
Pick the 60 if…
- More seats — 10 vs 9.
- Faster cruise — 438 kts vs 433 kts.
- Longer range — 2405 nm vs 1796 nm.
- More inventory — 45 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 Learjet 60 and Citation XLS?
Cabin, range and cost. The Learjet 60 (Pratt & Whitney Canada PW305A, ~464 kt, ~2,900 nm, 8 seats, two-crew) has more range and the Learjet brand. The Citation XLS (Pratt & Whitney Canada PW545C, ~433 kt, ~1,858 nm, 8–9 seats, two-crew) is slower with less range — but has lower operating cost and Citation service support.
Learjet 60 or Citation XLS — which?
Buy the Citation XLS if: the stand-up mid-size cabin, Citation service depth, and lower total cost are the priorities. Buy the Learjet 60 if: PW305A turbofan performance, ~2,900 nm range, the Learjet brand, and higher speed justify the higher operating cost.
How big is the range gap?
The Learjet 60's ~2,900 nm vs the Citation XLS's ~1,858 nm is roughly a 1,000 nm gap — meaningful for transcontinental and North Atlantic operations. For operators who regularly fly 2,500+ nm legs, the Learjet 60's range is a decisive operational advantage over the XLS.
How do specs compare?
Citation XLS+: PW545C, 8–9 seats, two-crew, ~433 kt, ~1,858 nm. Learjet 60: PW305A, 8 seats, two-crew, ~464 kt, ~2,900 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate?
The Citation XLS is less expensive — lower acquisition cost, lower fuel burn, and the PW545 is well-supported. The Learjet 60's PW305A uses more fuel and its longer-range airframe carries higher operating cost. For owner-operators, the XLS's total cost advantage is substantial.
Which should I buy?
Citation XLS for mid-size operations at lower total cost — when ~1,858 nm range is sufficient. Learjet 60 for ~2,900 nm range, the Learjet brand, and higher speed — when long-range missions are frequent.
Which is better, Cessna Citation XLS or Learjet 60?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Citation XLS cruises at 433 kts with 1,796 nm range.
The 60 cruises at 438 kts with 2,405 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Learjet 60: from $2,388,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna Citation XLS and Learjet 60?
Citation XLS engine: PRATT & WHITNEY PW545B.
60 engine: Pratt & Whitney Canada PW305.
Seats: 9 vs 10.
Cruise: 433 vs 438 kts.
Range: 1796 vs 2405 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Citation XLS: about $2400/hr variable cost.
60: about $2800/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.
60: 10 seats / 5,800 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.
60: 5,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$450,000.
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