Challenger 350 vs Citation Latitude 

School holidays have come, and you decide to fly with your family for a short 5-day relaxing getaway. You have six passengers and finally decide that during the winter break, it’s lovely in Sherm El Sheikh, and the flight time from London is just a bit over 4.5 hours. You contact your broker and are presented with two super-midsize aircraft. The Challenger 350 and the Citation Latitude — are both at the top of their class. 

So, how do you decide what to choose? You may ask your broker for a recommendation and get an answer that both are good and you will be fine with any. Plus, two of them are priced around the same, and differentiating them is kind of a tricky task. Today, we will get into details and compare each aircraft, their range, size, operating cost, etc., and see if we can make an assessment of which one comes out best for the trip.

Background

The Cessna Citation Latitude, a mid-size business jet announced in 2011 and first flown in 2014, blends advanced design with operational efficiency. Retaining the wing, engines, and tail from the Citation Sovereign, it introduces a new stand-up circular fuselage for enhanced comfort, accommodating nine passengers. Achieving FAA certification in 2015, it boasts a range of 2,000 to 2,400 nautical miles with cruising speeds up to Mach 0.76. Priced competitively in the business jet market, it has quickly become a popular choice among medium-sized corporations and large fleet operators like NetJets, demonstrating significant sales and operational success since its introduction.

The Bombardier Challenger 350, an improved variant of the Challenger 300, is a super mid-sized business jet designed for efficiency, luxury, and performance. It first took to the skies on March 2, 2013, and was officially introduced to the market at the EBACE in May of the same year, with entry into service initially scheduled for May 2014. Priced at $25.9 million, the Challenger 350 features several enhancements over its predecessor, including canted winglets for improved aerodynamics, a more luxurious interior, 20% taller cabin windows, and a more powerful Honeywell HTF7350 engine, offering 7.3% more takeoff thrust.

Range

These aircraft will complete the flight non-stop, so range won’t be an issue. However, it’s notable that even though both are super mid-size jets, one has a significant advantage over the other. The Challenger 350 is powered by 2 Honeywell HTF7350 engines mounted on the back, while the Latitude is powered by 2 Pratt and Whitney PW306D1 engines in the back. Keep in mind that the ranges for both aircraft don’t account for winds or payloads, which can significantly impact performance.

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Cabin and luggage dimensions

Each of the aircraft is a super-midsize jet with standup cabins, but the Challenger 350 has an edge in terms of length and width. For a flight of about 4.5 hours, this should not be a problem, as both are quite comfortable. However, luggage capacity makes a difference. The Challenger 350 can accommodate up to 10 large suitcases, while the Latitude can fit about 14.

Also, cabin comfort is not just about size but the amenities in the aircraft. Since these aircraft were manufactured after 2014, they likely feature inflight entertainment and onboard WiFi. The size of the seat, the inclination, and whether they can convert to beds make a huge difference.

Operating cost

As someone who is chartering, I know this is not a very significant factor. But for the sake of comparison, it will be nice to see which one is more cost-effective. It is important to note that pricing depends on the aircraft base, as fixed expenses will vary significantly based on the location of the jet, including factors such as hangarage, parking, crew cost, etc. 

The hourly cost decreases as utilization increases since fixed costs are spread over more hours. To compare fairly, we can look at the fuel burn rate. The higher the burn rate per hour, the higher the hourly cost. The Challenger 350 has a burn rate of 958 Liters per hour, while the Citation Latitude has a burn rate of 932 Liters per hour, being slightly more efficient than the Challenger 350. As per JetNet, both aircraft operate a similar number of hours a year (about 500 hours), and the Challenger 350 is slightly more expensive to operate. 

Cabin altitude

One of the biggest advantages of flying on a private jet is that it is a stress-free experience with VIP treatment on the ground and in the air. However, as you fly higher, the air gets thinner and loses moisture, resulting in dry-air circulation. Cabin altitude greatly impacts how you feel during and after the flight. Higher cabin altitudes are generally less comfortable.

For reference, commercial airlines flying at 45,000 FT have a cabin altitude of about 8,000 FT, while on a private jet, it could be as low as 6,000 FT. The Challenger 350 has a cabin altitude of approximately 7,848 FT at  41,000 FT, whereas the Citation Latitude boasts a cabin altitude of around 5,990 FT at 45,000 FT, making it superior in terms of comfort.

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Short-runway performance 

When using a private jet, you aim to fly to a wide range of destinations. But not all airports have long runways like major commercial hubs. Regional airports near urban areas often have shorter runways. High-performing jets need to handle short runways, especially in Europe, where many airports are in skiing regions with potentially wet runways. There are two European airports with the shortest runways, which are popular for their specific purposes. For example, Cannes is renowned for private jet use during the Cannes Film Festival, and London City Airport is favored for its proximity to central London.

The Challenger 350 and the Citation Latitude can both land at London City Airport (EGLC), which has a runway length of 4,948 FT, giving urban dwellers the ability to have easy access to the city’s center. Cannes Airport, with a runway length of 5,052 FT, can also accommodate both aircraft, allowing celebrities to land conveniently for the festival. 

Conclusion 

The next time you plan a trip, especially for a family getaway, consider all the information we have provided you with in this article. The Challenger 350 and Citation Latitude are top choices in the super-midsize category, and no matter which one you choose, you’ll be flying in style and comfort. Keep these factors in mind the next time you plan a trip, and you’ll be well-equipped to make the best decision for your travel needs.

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