Embraer Praetor 500 vs Cessna Citation XLS+

How do the Embraer Praetor 500 and Citation XLS+ compare side-by-side? How much do you get for your money in a larger jet? Mike Chase analyses the performance and productivity parameters.

Mike Chase  |  01st September 2021
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Mike Chase
Mike Chase

Michael Chase owns Chase & Associates, an aviation consulting firm specialized in industry product...

Over the following paragraphs we’ll consider some of the key productivity parameters for the Embraer Praetor 500 jet and the Cessna Citation XLS+ (including payload, range, speed, and cabin size) to establish which aircraft provides the better value in the business jet market, and to whom.

Although these two models do not directly compete in the market, we will take a slightly different approach with this month’s analysis. Accounting for the new pricing of the two featured jets, how much additional range, speed and cabin volume would an extra $2.36m purchase?

The goal is to provide some food for thought to those assessing their move-up prospects within the Mid-Size Jet market.

Embraer Praetor 500

From among the aircraft forming the ‘next rung’ on the business jet ladder to the Citation XLS+, the Embraer Praetor 500 is very competitively priced. Announced in 2016, the Praetor 500 replaced the Legacy 450 on Embraer’s production line.

The Praetor 500 is powered by twin Honeywell HTF 7500E turbofans with 6,500 pounds thrust each, and it offers a four-passenger NBAA IFR range of 3,250 nautical miles.

Addition of an extra fuel tank, and turbulence-reduction technology, account for the Praetor 500’s 350nm range advantage over its Legacy 450 predecessor. The Praetor 500 is capable of flying from the US West Coast to Europe with a single stop en route.

At the time of writing, there were 34 Embraer Praetor 500 business jets in operation worldwide, with two in shared-, and 10 in fractional ownership. Over 80% of the Praetor 500 fleet was based in the US.

Cessna Citation XLS+

The Cessna Citation XLS+ received FAA certification in 2008, and is an improved version of the already-successful Citation XLS. Among its improvements, it features better performance through upgraded Pratt & Whitney PW545C engines and FADEC controls.

The Citation XLS+ forms today’s entry-point into Mid-Size Jet ownership. It can transport four passengers 1,853 nautical miles, taking-off from runways as short as 3,560 feet. Since deliveries began, the Citation XLS+, like its predecessor, has been a success on the market.

At the time of writing, there were 297 Cessna Citation XLS+ business jets in operation worldwide, eight of which were under shared ownership arrangements. Three more aircraft had been retired. Geographically speaking, 61% of the Citation XLS+ fleet was based in the US.



Embraer Praetor 500
How much do the jets cost?
Cessna Citation XLS+
$14.64 m
Embraer Praetor 500
$16.995 m
What is the payload?
Cessna Citation XLS+
2,240 lbs
Embraer Praetor 500
2,291 lbs
How many Passengers
Cessna Citation XLS+
9
Embraer Praetor 500
7
What is the range?
Cessna Citation XLS+
1,853 nm
Embraer Praetor 500
3,340 nm
What's the long range cruising speed
Cessna Citation XLS+
353 knots
Embraer Praetor 500
426 knots
What's the cost per hour
Cessna Citation XLS+
US$1,142
Embraer Praetor 500
US$1,206

Read More About: Mid-Size Jets

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Mike Chase

Mike Chase

Editor, Aircraft Comparisons

Michael Chase owns Chase & Associates, an aviation consulting firm specialized in industry product and market research in the Commercial & Business Aviation sectors.

With over five decades of extensive experience, Michael has worked as a director of special projects for JETNET, LLC; served as Senior Management Consultant for Sabre Holding; and was Director of Market & Sales Research for Gulfstream Aerospace, leading sales and product research, including feasibility and viability studies.


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