Citation III
Range
2300 NM
4,260 km
Max Speed
Mach 0.83
Capacity
Up to 4
Avionics
Honeywell
Engines
TFE731-3B
Origin
United States
About the Citation III
The Cessna Citation III is part of Textron Aviation's Cessna Citation family, one of the most successful business jet product lines in history. It is designed around practical ownership economics, dependable systems, and mission flexibility for private owners, corporate flight departments, charter operators, and fractional providers.
2,300 Nautical Mile Range
Mission capability suited to regional business, owner-flown, and short transcontinental missions.
Mach 0.83 Top Speed
Cruise performance aligned with the aircraft's Citation class and mission profile.
Citation Ownership Economics
Designed around practical maintenance, strong parts support, and broad pilot familiarity.
TFE731-3B Engines
Twin Honeywell turbofans define the aircraft's thrust, fuel burn, and maintenance profile.
Milestones
2,300 Nautical Mile Range
Mission capability suited to regional business, owner-flown, and short transcontinental missions.
Citation III Specifications
Performance
With a maximum range of approximately 2,300 nautical miles and a top operating speed of Mach 0.83, the Citation III is suited to regional business, owner-flown, and short transcontinental missions. Its runway performance, service ceiling, and Citation operating simplicity make it especially relevant for buyers comparing acquisition cost, dispatch reliability, and real-world trip capability.
Powerplant
The Citation III is powered by two Honeywell TFE731-3B turbofan engines, each producing about 3,650 pounds of thrust. The engine choice is central to the aircraft's fuel burn, climb performance, maintenance planning, and appeal in both owner-flown and professionally crewed operations.
Operating Weights
Operating weights dictate the structural limits and mission profile of the aircraft. With an MTOW of 22,000 lbs, the Citation III offers a high payload-to-range ratio.
Citation III Interior
Cabin Specs
The Citation III cabin provides a stand-up midsize cabin with executive seating, work tables, and practical baggage capacity. Cabin dimensions are approximately 18.6 ft long, 5.5 ft wide, and 5.7 ft high, with seating for up to 9 passengers depending on layout and about 61 cubic feet of baggage capacity.
Explore Cabin InteriorOperating Economics
Based on an assumed utilization of 350 flight hours annually.
Variable Costs
Fixed Costs
Annual Budget
$1.10M
Estimated Total Spend
Textron Aviation Citation III Vs
Textron AviationCitation III In Focus | BombardierLearjet 55 | BombardierLearjet 55B | BombardierLearjet 55C | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max Range | 2,300 nm | 2,040 nm | 2,050 nm | 2,040 nm |
| Top Speed | 0.83 Mach | 0.81 Mach | 0.81 Mach | 0.81 Mach |
| Capacity | 9 pax | 10 pax | 10 pax | 10 pax |
| Est. Base Price | $8.1M | $7.0M | $8.0M | $8.5M |
| Compare | Compare | Compare |
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Planepedia Analysis
The Cessna Citation III is an important Citation model because it balances usable range, approachable operating costs, and a strong support network. For buyers researching Citation specs, price, cabin comfort, and operating economics, it remains a highly relevant aircraft in its class.
Market Leading Operators
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Frequently Asked Questions
The Cessna Citation III has an estimated new or original list price of about $8.1M. Current market values vary by year, hours, engine status, avionics, inspections, and interior condition.
The Citation III has a maximum range of approximately 2,300 nautical miles under typical published long-range cruise assumptions.
The Citation III can reach a top operating speed of about Mach 0.83, with normal cruise speeds depending on altitude, weight, and mission profile.
Depending on cabin configuration, the Citation III can accommodate up to 9 passengers.