Aircraft · 6 min read
Citation XLS+ vs Challenger 350
The Citation XLS+ is a midsize workhorse for short-to-medium European sectors with up to eight passengers. The Challenger 350 is a super-midsize with a flat-floor stand-up cabin, roughly double the baggage volume and transatlantic-adjacent range. Expect the Challenger to cost around 50–70% more per hour.
Updated 31/07/2026
Key Facts
- XLS+ range
- ≈ 1,850 nm
- Challenger 350 range
- ≈ 3,200 nm
- XLS+ typical seats
- 8
- Challenger 350 typical seats
- 9–10
- XLS+ cabin height
- ≈ 1.73 m
- Challenger 350 cabin height
- ≈ 1.83 m (stand-up)
Where the XLS+ wins
- Lower hourly cost on sectors under three hours.
- Excellent short-field and constrained-airport performance.
- Very wide availability across European operators, which improves pricing and short-notice options.
Where the Challenger 350 wins
- Flat-floor, stand-up cabin for the whole sector.
- Substantially larger externally-accessible baggage hold.
- Range for London to the Middle East or US East Coast with the right payload and winds.
- Quieter cabin and better long-sector fatigue outcomes.
How to choose in one question
Ask how long passengers will be seated. Under two hours, the XLS+ is almost always the commercially sensible aircraft. Over three and a half hours, or with bulky baggage, the Challenger 350 stops being a luxury and starts being the correct tool.
All figures are indicative market ranges for planning purposes only. Actual pricing depends on aircraft availability, positioning, crew duty, airport fees and fuel on the day of travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Challenger 350 worth the extra cost over an XLS+?
On sectors beyond about three and a half hours, with full seats or bulky baggage, yes. On short European hops with four passengers, the XLS+ delivers the same outcome for materially less.
How many passengers does a Challenger 350 seat?
Most charter configurations seat nine, with some at ten. The XLS+ is typically eight.
Can a Challenger 350 fly London to New York non-stop?
Westbound against typical winter headwinds it usually needs a fuel stop. Eastbound is more often achievable. Treat any non-stop claim as payload-, weather- and day-specific.