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Citation Longitude
The Cessna Citation Longitude, part of the renowned Citation jet family, represents a significant leap forward in the super-midsize jet category. First introduced in 2016, the Longitude embodies Textron Aviation’s commitment to provide maximum comfort for passengers during long journeys.
The Citation Longitude features extended maintenance intervals of 800 hours or 18 months, minimising downtime and reducing overall operating costs. Textron Aviation offers a comprehensive support network with its 1CALL program, providing 24/7 technical assistance, parts support, and field service solutions, ensuring that operators receive prompt and efficient service anywhere in the world. Its LinxUs® software offers real-time diagnostic monitoring, transmitting data from the aircraft to ground support teams during flight. This system identifies potential maintenance issues, enabling faster troubleshooting, which is crucial for operators looking to maximise the utilisation of their fleets
Citation Longitude: Cabin Experience
The flat-floor design, standing 6 feet (1.83 m) tall, ensures passengers can move freely throughout the cabin. Its width of 6.4 feet (1.95 m) makes it one of the most spacious jets in its class, allowing for a variety of seating configurations and layouts.
Each seat is fully berthable, providing lie-flat sleeping arrangements, which is particularly beneficial for transcontinental or transatlantic flights. The fully adjustable seats, complete with lumbar support, can be tailored to each passenger’s preference, ensuring maximum comfort. Advanced noise-cancelling insulation has been integrated into the aircraft’s design, resulting in the quietest cabin experience in its category, which is crucial for restful sleep or productive work sessions during long flights.
Theaircraft offers high-speed Ka-band Wi-Fi, allowing passengers to conduct business, stream entertainment, or stay in touch with family and colleagues during the flight. The cabin management system includes touch screen controls for lighting, window shades, temperature, and entertainment options, all of which can be accessed from personal devices, adding an extra layer of convenience.
The interior is available in a range of customisable options, with different material finishes, wood veneers, and fabrics. This enables owners to personalise their aircraft to reflect their preferences or company branding, creating a bespoke flying environment. The spacious aft lavatory, equipped with a vanity and optional seating, adds to the luxurious travel experience, while the cabin’s galley can be outfitted with various options to cater to culinary needs on long flights.
Citation Longitude: Technology (Engine and Avionics)
The aircraft boasts efficient aerodynamics, advanced wing design, and powerful Honeywell HTF7700L engines, each producing 7,665 pounds of thrust. Its maximum cruise speed of 483 knots (ktas) ensures that the Longitude can connect cities quickly, saving valuable time for business travellers.
The aircraft is equipped with the Garmin G5000 avionics suite, an advanced and fully integrated flight management system that enhances situational awareness and operational efficiency.
Three large touch screen displays provide pilots with intuitive and clear control over all aspects of flight management. Four touch screen controllers streamline the interaction process, reducing pilot workload and enhancing safety.
Synthetic Vision Technology (SVT™) offers a 3D representation of terrain, traffic, and obstacles, ensuring greater awareness, especially in low-visibility conditions.
Fully integrated autothrottles enhance efficiency and precision, especially during climb, cruise, and descent phases.
Integrated Terrain Awareness and Warning System (TAWS), weather radar, and Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS II) further contribute to flight safety.
The inclusion of the optional head-up display (HUD) and Enhanced Flight Vision System (EFVS) allows pilots to maintain situational awareness during challenging approaches and landings, even in low-visibility environments.
Citation Longitude: Performance
The aircraft boasts a maximum range of 3,500 nautical miles (nm), allowing for nonstop flights from Los Angeles to Honolulu or from London to Dubai, covering a significant portion of global business routes without requiring refuelling stops.
The Longitude requires a takeoff field length of just 4,810 feet (1,466 m) and a landing distance of 3,170 feet (966 m), making it capable of operating from smaller airports with shorter runways. This ability to access more airports increases the flexibility of travel itineraries, allowing passengers to land closer to their final destinations. The jet can reach its maximum cruising altitude of 45,000 feet within just 30 minutes, allowing it to avoid commercial traffic and adverse weather, ensuring a smoother and more efficient journey.
The Citation Longitude offers the lowest direct operating costs in its class, thanks to its efficient fuel consumption, reduced maintenance requirements, and extended service intervals. The Honeywell HTF7700L engines not only deliver impressive thrust but also meet stringent noise and emission standards. The jet also offers options for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), contributing to reduced carbon footprints, making it an environmentally conscious choice for operators who prioritise sustainability.
Citation Longitude: Specifications
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Maximum Range | 3,500 nm (6,482 km) |
| Maximum Cruise Speed | 483 ktas (895 km/h) |
| Maximum Operating Altitude | 45,000 ft (13,716 m) |
| Cabin Height | 6 ft (1.83 m) |
| Cabin Width | 6.4 ft (1.95 m) |
| Engines | Honeywell HTF7700L |
| Thrust per Engine | 7,665 lb (34.10 kN) |
| Takeoff Distance | 4,810 ft (1,466 m) |
| Landing Distance | 3,170 ft (966 m) |
Takeaways
In the super-midsize jet segment, the Citation Longitude competes with the likes of the Bombardier Challenger 3500, Gulfstream G280, and the Embraer Praetor 600. It offers the most spacious cabin among its competitors, with a flat floor and taller headroom, providing a more comfortable environment for passengers on long flights.
While the Longitude’s range of 3,500 nm is competitive, the Embraer Praetor 600 slightly edges it out with a range of approximately 4,018 nm. However, the Longitude’s combination of range, speed, and fuel efficiency offers a balanced option for most business travel needs.
The Citation Longitude boasts one of the lowest operating costs in its class, making it an attractive option for fractional owners, charter operators, and corporate flight departments seeking a cost-effective yet luxurious solution.
The Garmin G5000 avionics suite and integrated autothrottles give the Longitude a technological edge, particularly when compared to older models in the segment.
