Cessna Citation III Private Jet Charter
The Cessna Citation III is a mid size jet seating up to 11 passengers, with a 4,019 km (2,170 nm) range and a 1,015 km/h cruise. Charter rates start around $3,200 per hour.
Cessna Citation III overview
Textron Aviation introduced the Citation III in 1982. It belongs to the Mid Size Jet class, powered by 2 Garrett TFE731-3B-100S engines. With a 4,019 km range and seating for up to 11, it suits regional and medium-haul charter. 2Lun compares live availability and instant quotes for the Citation III with no membership fees.
Operators list the Cessna Citation III as a business jet, and it is chartered the same way as any mid size jet: by the flight hour, crew and insurance included. Below are the Cessna Citation III business jet specifications, hourly charter rates and the routes it is actually flown on. The rest of the range is on the Textron Aviation page.
How much does it cost to charter a Citation III?
Transparent hourly rates — crew, fuel, insurance and maintenance included.
Citation III specifications
Performance
- Max range
- 4,019 km / 2,170 nm
- Cruise speed
- 1,015 km/h / Mach 0.83
- Service ceiling
- 51,000 ft
- Takeoff distance
- 4,200 ft
Engines
- Manufacturer
- Garrett
- Model
- TFE731-3B-100S
- Type
- Turbofan
- Count
- 2
Cabin & dimensions
- Passengers (typical)
- 8
- Passengers (max)
- 11
- Cabin length
- 18.75 ft
- Cabin height
- 5.75 ft
- Baggage
- 82 cu ft
Weights
- Max takeoff
- 22,450 lb
- Empty weight
- 12,700 lb
Cabin amenities
Where the Cessna Citation III Actually Flies
Observed movements from ADS-B tracking, not manufacturer claims.
Tracked from ADS-B position reports over the last 12 months: we logged 2,038 movements by this type across 55 airports — about 170 a month, or 0.2% of all business aviation movements we observe.
Airports where it turns up most
Routes it works most often
Popular Citation III routes
Range-feasible sectors with estimated charter cost.
Frequently asked questions
How often does the Cessna Citation III actually fly?
We tracked 2,038 movements by this type over the last 12 months across 55 airports — roughly 170 a month, or 0.2% of all business aviation movements in our data.
Where is the Cessna Citation III based most often?
The airports where this type turns up most are San Antonio, Budapest, Tel Aviv, Monterrey. Chartering from one of these usually means less positioning time added to your quote.
Which routes does the Cessna Citation III fly most?
Its busiest tracked sectors are Austin–Dallas, Dallas–San Antonio, San Antonio–Dallas. Those pairings have the deepest availability for this type.
How much does it cost to charter a Citation III?
Charter rates for the Cessna Citation III typically run $3,200–$4,800 per hour, including crew, fuel, insurance and maintenance. A 2-hour daily minimum usually applies, plus positioning fees.
How far can the Citation III fly?
The Citation III has a maximum range of approximately 4,019 km (2,170 nautical miles) with 8 passengers — enough for regional and medium-haul routes.
How many passengers does the Citation III seat?
The Cessna Citation III typically seats 8 passengers and up to 11 in a high-density layout, with 2 crew.
How fast is the Citation III?
The Citation III cruises at up to 1,015 km/h (548 knots, Mach 0.83), with a service ceiling of 51,000 ft.
How much does a Citation III cost to buy?
A pre-owned Cessna Citation III typically sells for $1,000,000–$2,500,000 (2025 market). Hourly operating cost runs around $2,600.
Charter the Citation III
Tell us the route and dates — we come back with availability and a firm price for the Citation III or the closest aircraft in its class.
