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Citation 550 Light Jet Specifications and Charter Rates

The Citation 550 is a versatile and efficient light jet designed for business and leisure travelers seeking swift, private point-to-point service. With seating for up to eight and a cruise speed of 410 knots, the Citation 550 delivers practical luxury and impressive agility for clients who value time, comfort, and convenience.


Perfect for short hops or regional flights, this Cessna classic stands out for its dependability, accessible operating costs, and an inviting, refined cabin. This profile covers the Citation 550’s full specifications, cabin features, real-world performance, indicative charter rates, and the most common questions from discerning private jet travelers.

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Citation 550 Overview

The Citation 550 is a standout in the light jet category, offering a compelling blend of speed, economy, and comfort. Its executive cabin seats up to eight guests in style, making it an ideal solution for quick business trips or exclusive weekend escapes. Powered by two Pratt & Whitney JT15D-4 engines, the Citation 550 achieves a maximum cruising altitude of 41,000 feet, soaring above weather and commercial air traffic for a smooth, uninterrupted journey.


Owners and operators continue to favor the Citation 550 for its fuel efficiency, operational flexibility, and proven reliability in a wide range of conditions. This aircraft is a frequent choice for short-notice departures and last-minute itineraries, making it a staple of private aviation fleets worldwide.


With three decades of refinement and a strong global support network, the Citation 550 offers a cost-effective, polished private jet experience, ensuring that every trip is seamless from takeoff to touchdown.

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Citation 550 Specifications

The figures below summarize the performance and dimensions that matter most when you are matching an aircraft to a trip. They reflect typical configurations; exact numbers vary with weight, weather, and how a given aircraft is equipped.

Aircraft class:

Light Jet

Passenger capacity:

Up to 7 (typical), 8 maximum

Crew:

2 pilots

Range:

Approximately 1200 nautical miles (around 1380 statute miles)

High-speed cruise:

410 knots (about 472 mph)

Long-range cruise:

Approximately 360 knots

Service ceiling:

41000 fee

Engines:

Two Pratt & Whitney JT15D-4 turbofans

Thrust:

Roughly 2500 lbf per engine

Takeoff distance:

About 3500 feet

Landing distance:

About 3200 feet

Average fuel burn:

Around 240 gallons per hour

Baggage capacity:

Approximately 35 cubic feet

First delivered:

Early 1980s

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The figures below summarize the performance and dimensions that matter most when you are matching an aircraft to a trip. They reflect typical configurations; exact numbers vary with weight, weather, and how a given aircraft is equipped.

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Citation 550 Range and Performance

With a range of approximately 1,200 nautical miles, the Citation 550 is purpose-built for nonstop regional missions and popular city pairs such as New York to Miami, Los Angeles to Aspen, or Dallas to Chicago without a fuel stop. This jet’s nimble takeoff and landing abilities, requiring as little as 3,500 feet of runway, open up access to hundreds of executive and secondary airports—putting your final destination closer than commercial flights ever could. | The 410-knot high-speed cruise ensures rapid travel times, while the robust twin-engine setup delivers reliable climb performance to 41,000 feet, keeping your journey above turbulence and away from delays. For most travelers, the Citation 550’s combination of speed, range, and field performance translates to door-to-door convenience and maximum efficiency.

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Citation 550 Cabin Experience and Interior

The Citation 550’s cabin is designed for productivity and relaxation on flights of up to three hours. With a spacious, executive arrangement—typically seating seven to eight passengers—travelers enjoy club-style seating, large windows for natural light, and a quiet, climate-controlled environment that enhances comfort throughout the journey. | The aircraft features a private aft lavatory and ample baggage capacity of 35 cubic feet, easily accommodating golf gear or several suitcases for the entire group. Many Citation 550s have benefited from interior refurbishments, offering upgraded seating, modern entertainment options, and in-flight connectivity. Whether you’re flying for business or pleasure, the cabin delivers a refined, welcoming atmosphere that turns travel time into quality time.

Citation 550 Charter Cost and Hourly Rates

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Chartering a Citation 550 typically runs in the range of $2400 to $3200 per flight hour, though the figure you are quoted depends on several factors. Rates move with the route, the season, repositioning (or ferry) time, airport fees, crew costs, and how a specific aircraft is equipped. Peak travel periods and one-way trips that leave an aircraft far from its base tend to sit at the higher end, while round trips and flights that align with an operator's existing schedule can come in lower.

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It also helps to understand how charter pricing is structured. Most quotes are built around occupied flight hours plus those repositioning costs, landing and handling fees, taxes, and crew expenses. Because Jettly is a charter marketplace rather than an aircraft operator, you can compare live quotes from multiple FAA Part 135 and book the option that fits your route and budget.

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Empty-leg flights, the discounted repositioning trips that operators are keen to fill, can also bring the cost of a Citation 550 down significantly when the timing works in your favor. For an exact, current price on your specific trip, request a quote, and you will see real availability rather than an estimate.

Who Should Charter the Citation 550?

The Citation 550 fits a wide set of missions, which is part of why it stays busy. It is a strong match for:

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Small executive teams traveling together to a meeting, site visit, or conference

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Regional and many transcontinental business trips that need to be completed in a single day

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Families or groups of up to eight heading to a vacation or event

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Travelers carrying bulkier baggage, such as golf clubs or ski gear

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Anyone who values flexible airport access and a stand-up cabin over the lowest possible price

The Citation 550 is perfect for those who value time and efficiency for short to medium-range flights. While not suited for long-haul or transcontinental travel, it excels for groups of up to eight seeking quick, direct access to regional destinations with minimal fuss and maximum comfort.

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How the Citation 550 Compares to Other Light Jet

The Citation 550, introduced in the early 1980s, is a direct evolution of Cessna’s pioneering Citation line that transformed private jet travel. Designed to bridge the gap between entry-level and larger business jets, the 550 offered a leap forward in cabin comfort and operating efficiency, quickly becoming a favorite among private owners and premier charter operators alike.


Innovations such as advanced avionics, improved aerodynamics, and robust twin engines gave the Citation 550 a reputation for reliability and versatility. Its enduring popularity led to a long production run and a host of model upgrades, ensuring continued relevance and exceptional support for operators worldwide.


Today, the Citation 550 stands as a testament to Cessna’s commitment to safety, value, and passenger satisfaction—making it a cornerstone of the light jet market and a trusted choice for savvy travelers everywhere.

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Citation 550 History and Background

The Citation 550, introduced in the early 1980s, is a direct evolution of Cessna’s pioneering Citation line that transformed private jet travel. Designed to bridge the gap between entry-level and larger business jets, the 550 offered a leap forward in cabin comfort and operating efficiency, quickly becoming a favorite among private owners and premier charter operators alike.


Innovations such as advanced avionics, improved aerodynamics, and robust twin engines gave the Citation 550 a reputation for reliability and versatility. Its enduring popularity led to a long production run and a host of model upgrades, ensuring continued relevance and exceptional support for operators worldwide.


Today, the Citation 550 stands as a testament to Cessna’s commitment to safety, value, and passenger satisfaction—making it a cornerstone of the light jet market and a trusted choice for savvy travelers everywhere.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Passengers Can the Citation 550 Carry?

The Citation 550 typically seats seven to eight passengers in a club-style executive layout, delivering flexible options for business teams or families who want to travel together in comfort and privacy.

What Is the Range of the Citation 550?

The Citation 550 has a range of approximately 1200 nautical miles, or roughly 1380 statute miles. That is enough to fly most regional routes and many transcontinental trips nonstop, with the longest coast-to-coast legs occasionally needing a brief fuel stop depending on winds and load.

How Fast Does the Citation 550 Fly?

Its high-speed cruise is 410 knots (about 472 mph), with a long-range cruise near 360 knots. The aircraft's 41000-foot service ceiling lets it fly above most weather and traffic for a smoother, more direct trip.

How Much Does It Cost to Charter a Citation 550?

Charter rates generally fall between roughly $2400 and $3200 per flight hour, depending on the route, season, repositioning, and fees. Because Jettly is a marketplace, you can compare live quotes from multiple Part 135 operators and book the best option for your trip; empty-leg flights can lower the cost further.

Does the Hawker Citation 550 Have a Stand-up Cabin?

Yes. The Citation 550’s cabin is spacious enough for travelers to move comfortably, with a private lavatory at the rear and a baggage compartment able to fit up to 35 cubic feet of luggage.

Is the Citation 550 Good for Transcontinental Flights?

For most regional U.S. routes, yes. The Citation 550 can fly nonstop between many major cities, though extremely long legs or full passenger loads may require a brief stop, which is common for light jets on the upper end of their range.

Jettly gives you access to a global marketplace of more than 23,000 aircraft, including Citation 550 jets operated by vetted FAA Part 135 Part 135 carriers. Compare live quotes, check real availability, and book with full concierge support, whether you are planning a single regional hop or a recurring travel schedule.

Enter your route and dates to get instant pricing on the Citation 550, or speak with our team about empty-leg deals and membership options that can bring your cost per trip down even further.

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