Summary

  • Cessna Citation Sovereign is a super-midsize business jet with a 3,200 NM range and seating for 12 passengers.
  • The manufacturer introduced the improved Sovereign+ with enhancements like winglets and a new flight deck.
  • Low market demand led to the cancelation of the Sovereign models, which were impacted by competition with other Cessna jets.

Super midsize business jets are a relatively new category that sits between midsize (7-8 passengers) and large (14-19 passengers) jets. With a capacity for up to 12 passengers, they have seen a significant demand in recent years. The size of the jet allows larger groups to travel together while offering a considerable flight range (1,800 – 3,000 NM) and the comforts of a larger jet.

The Cessna Citation Sovereign is a super-midsize business jet with the longest range. With a seating capacity of up to 12 passengers, the aircraft can fly a distance of 3,200 NM (3,700 miles, 5,900 km) without having to refuel. The Model 680 performed its maiden flight in February 2002 and received regulatory certification two years later, in June 2004. Cessna delivered the first aircraft in September 2004.

A Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign parked on an airoprt apron.

Photo: WanderWolf Images | Shutterstock

During the NBAA convention in October 2012, the manufacturer announced an improved version of the jet, the Sovereign+. The new version includes winglets, improved engines, and a new flight deck. Nearly 450 Citation Sovereigns were produced between 2004 and 2021, including 350 Sovereigns and 95 Sovereign+.

Cessna Citation Sovereign

  • Crew: Two
  • Capacity: 12 passengers
  • Payload: 2,765 lb (1,254 kg)
  • Length: 63 ft 6 in (19.35 m)
  • Wingspan: 72 ft 4 in (22.04 m)
  • Height: 20 ft 4 in (6.20 m)
  • Wing area: 543 sq ft (50.4 m2)
  • Empty weight: 18,235 lb (8,271 kg)
  • Max takeoff weight: 30,775 lb (13,959 kg)
  • Fuel capacity: 11,390 lb (5,166 kg) / 1,700 gal (6,435 L)
  • Powerplant: 2 × Pratt & Whitney Canada PW306D turbofans
  • Thrust per engine: 5,907 lbf (26.28 kN) thrust

The design of the Cessna Citation Sovereign is derived from Citation Excel with a stretched fuselage and a large, newly designed wing with trailing edge flaps. The higher critical Mach number wing enables efficient performance at cruise speeds, minimizing drag in the transonic region.

According to NetJets,

“The Cessna Citation Sovereign offers nonstop luxury travel from destinations like Vancouver, Canada, to Chicago, Illinois. Passengers appreciate its unique interior, featuring the ever-popular double-club seating. The well-appointed cabin of every Citation Sovereign is conducive to both work and leisure. This graceful jet reaches a high-speed cruise of 495 miles per hour.”

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During their production runs, Cessna built 349 Sovereign and 94 Sovereign+ aircraft.

  • Maximum speed: Mach 0.80
  • Cruise speed: 460 kn (530 mph, 850 km/h)
  • Range: 3,200 NM (3,700 mi, 5,900 km)
  • Service ceiling: 47,000 ft (14,000 m)
  • Rate of climb: 4,083 ft/min (20.74 m/s)
  • Wing loading: 56.7 lb/sq ft (277 kg/m2)
  • Takeoff distance: 3,530 ft (1,076 m)
  • Landing distance: 2,600 ft (792 m)

A plentiful cabin

  • Cabin length: 24.2 ft
  • Cabin height: 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)
  • Cabin width 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m)
  • Baggage capacity: 100 cubic ft

The Cessna Citation Sovereign has a considerably large and spacious space in the cabin. With two back-to-back sets of club seats, passengers can easily interact with one another while maintaining privacy.

Interior_Cessna_Citation_Sovereign_cabin

NetJets, one of the largest charter operators of the Citation Sovereign, states that the Sovereign’s cabin features unique interior and amenities, including,

  • Hand Stitched leather seats configured for conversation
  • Convenient pop-out tables
  • Plentiful lighting and storage in lavatory
  • Two lavatory windows offer additional natural light

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Decline in sales

Textron Aviation, the owner of Cessna Aircraft, pulled the plug on Cessna Sovereign models in March 2021 due to the low market demand and declining sales for the type. Moreover, the market overlap with Citation Longitude and Latitude made it difficult for the Sovereign to survive. In 2019, a complete year in the pre-pandemic era, the manufacturer delivered only a handful of Citation Sovereign compared to numerous Citation Longitudes and Latitudes.

Aircraft deliveries Cessna Citation Sovereign Cessna Citation Longitude Cessna Citation Latitude
2018 6
2019 8 18 26
2020 6
A Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign on an airport apron.

Photo: InsectWorld | Shutterstock

According to a statement by Textron Aviation,

“With the recent certification of the super-midsize Cessna Citation Longitude business jet and continued success and proven reliability of the Cessna Citation Latitude midsize business jet, we are taking the opportunity to minimize overlap within this customer segment.”

The company will continue to provide services and support to existing customers of the Sovereign and Sovereign+ jets. Its product and support teams, along with its extensive global service centers, address these customers’ needs.

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What are your thoughts on the Cessna Citation Sovereign jet’s design, operational range, and performance characteristics? Have you been lucky enough to ride in one? Share your views and experiences in the comments section.

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