The Cessna Citation Latitude is one of the most popular and well-regarded jets in the mid-size category, offering a balance of performance, comfort, and advanced technology. Manufactured by Textron Aviation, the Citation Latitude stands out for its spacious cabin, impressive range, and fuel efficiency. It has become a favorite among business travelers and private jet enthusiasts alike due to its versatility and excellent operating costs.

Let’s take a deeper look at what makes the Cessna Citation Latitude such a sought-after mid-size jet.

Interior

The Cessna Citation Latitude is known for offering one of the most spacious cabins in its class, making it highly desirable for passengers who prioritize comfort during long flights. The flat-floor design and stand-up cabin height are major selling points, providing the feel of a larger jet within a mid-size frame.

Key interior features include:

• Seating: The Latitude typically seats up to 9 passengers, offering fully adjustable leather seats arranged in a club configuration. Each seat is designed for maximum comfort with reclining capabilities, retractable armrests, and options for swiveling for easier in-flight communication.
• Cabin Dimensions:
  • Height: 6 feet (1.83 meters)
  • Width: 6.5 feet (1.96 meters)
  • Length: 21.9 feet (6.65 meters)
• Cabin Features: Passengers enjoy Wi-Fi connectivity, individual charging ports, and a state-of-the-art cabin management system that controls lighting, temperature, and entertainment from personal devices.
• Amenities: The Latitude is equipped with a refreshment center, a spacious lavatory with a vanity mirror, and ample storage space for luggage, making it ideal for long-range flights.
• Quiet Cabin: The Citation Latitude has a reputation for being one of the quietest jets in its class, creating a peaceful environment conducive to working, relaxing, or resting during the flight.

Exterior

The Cessna Citation Latitude has a sleek and aerodynamic design that not only enhances its performance but also improves fuel efficiency. Its modern exterior ensures optimal speed and stability while contributing to a smooth ride.

Key exterior features include:

• Dimensions:
  • Wingspan: 72.4 feet (22.05 meters)
  • Length: 62.3 feet (18.97 meters)
  • Height: 20.6 feet (6.27 meters)
• Efficient Wing Design: The wing design, combined with winglets, helps to reduce drag and enhance performance, contributing to the jet’s ability to achieve faster speeds while maintaining fuel efficiency.
• Landing Gear: The retractable tricycle landing gear ensures smooth landings and takeoffs on a variety of runway lengths, further adding to the jet’s versatility for accessing smaller airports.

Flight Range

The Cessna Citation Latitude is known for its impressive flight range for a mid-size jet, allowing for non-stop travel between many city pairs, including transcontinental routes.

• Maximum Range: The Latitude boasts a range of 2,700 nautical miles (5,000 kilometers), enabling non-stop flights such as:
  • Los Angeles to New York
  • Miami to Seattle
  • London to Cairo
• Cruising Speed: The Latitude cruises at a speed of 446 knots (513 mph or 825 km/h), ensuring efficient travel over long distances.
• Fuel Efficiency: The jet’s twin Pratt & Whitney Canada PW306D1 engines and lightweight design ensure impressive fuel efficiency, making it one of the most cost-effective options for operators in the mid-size class.

Passenger Capacity

The Cessna Citation Latitude is designed to seat up to 9 passengers comfortably. Its spacious cabin and flat-floor design allow passengers to move around freely, creating a comfortable environment for longer flights. This capacity and design make it ideal for business executives, families, or small groups looking for a private, luxurious travel experience.

Performance Figures

The Citation Latitude excels in various performance metrics, making it a highly versatile jet for regional and transcontinental flights.

• Engines: Powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW306D1 turbofan engines, each engine delivers 5,907 pounds of thrust, ensuring reliable performance and fuel efficiency.
• Takeoff Distance: The jet requires 3,580 feet (1,091 meters) of runway for takeoff, allowing it to operate from smaller regional airports.
• Landing Distance: The landing distance is 2,480 feet (756 meters), making it highly versatile and suitable for a wide variety of destinations.
• Maximum Altitude: The Latitude can reach an altitude of 45,000 feet (13,716 meters), flying above most commercial traffic and avoiding turbulence, ensuring smoother and more efficient flights.
• Climb Rate: With a climb rate of 3,650 feet per minute, the jet can quickly ascend to cruising altitude, reducing overall travel time and optimizing flight paths.

Technology and Avionics

The Cessna Citation Latitude features the advanced Garmin G5000 avionics suite, known for its ease of use and comprehensive flight management capabilities.

• Three high-resolution touchscreen displays: Pilots can control navigation, communication, and flight data through intuitive interfaces.
• Synthetic Vision Technology (SVT): The SVT provides pilots with a 3D virtual landscape that enhances situational awareness, displaying obstacles, terrain, and runways in real time.
• Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS II): TCAS II continuously monitors nearby aircraft and warns pilots of potential traffic conflicts, ensuring a high level of safety.
• Flight Management System (FMS): Simplifies route planning and optimizes fuel efficiency.
• Autothrottle: The optional autothrottle feature reduces pilot workload by automatically adjusting the engines for optimal speed and performance throughout the flight.

Cost and Operational Efficiency

The Citation Latitude is known for its operational efficiency, offering low operating costs while maintaining the luxury and performance of a larger jet.

• Fuel Efficiency: The Latitude’s advanced Pratt & Whitney engines ensure optimal fuel consumption for both short and long flights, making it a cost-effective option for private jet owners and charter operators.
• Maintenance: Cessna’s global support network ensures that maintenance is easy and downtime is minimized, contributing to low operating costs.
• Single-Pilot Certified: The jet is certified for single-pilot operation, reducing crew costs and making it a more attractive option for owners or operators who require flexible piloting options.

Conclusion

The Cessna Citation Latitude is a top contender in the mid-size jet category, offering a perfect combination of performance, comfort, and efficiency. Its spacious cabin, long-range capabilities, and low operating costs make it a favorite for private owners, charter operators, and business executives alike. Whether flying for business or leisure, the Citation Latitude provides a luxurious and cost-effective solution for mid-range travel needs.