The Cessna Citation III is the 1980s-era midsize that opened the transcontinental door for the Citation line, and it still runs Naples charter trips at a lower hourly rate than the newer Excel/XLS. From APF’s 6,600-foot main runway, the III flies nonstop to the West Coast with a light cabin.
Cessna produced the Citation III (Model 650) from 1983 with a swept T-tail wing, dual Garrett TFE731-3 turbofans, and a stand-up cabin. Seats six to nine, cruises at 472 knots to 51,000 feet, delivers 2,348 nautical miles of range, and carries 60 cubic feet of baggage. Enclosed lavatory. The airframe evolved into the Citation VI and VII.
Performance and Cabin
- Category: Midsize Jet
- Manufacturer: Cessna
- Year introduced: 1983
- Seating: 6 to 9
- Crew: 2
- Range: 2,348 nautical miles
- Cruise speed: 472 knots
- Service ceiling: 51,000 feet
- Length: 55.4 feet
- Wingspan: 53.5 feet
- Height: 16.8 feet
- Baggage volume: 60 cubic feet
- Lavatory: Enclosed
Why the Cessna Citation III Fits Naples
Range at 2,348 nautical miles opens up APF-to-Aspen (ASE) nonstop with a full cabin, and APF-to-Los Angeles-area airports with light payload. That kind of transcon reach is the practical selling point over an Excel/XLS on longer trips.
The 51,000-foot ceiling gives the Citation III a real convective-topping advantage on Naples summer afternoons. Cruise speed of 472 knots is faster than an Excel/XLS or Hawker 800XP; block times run shorter on comparable legs.
APF is comfortable for the Citation III on any typical day. The 60-cubic-foot hold is tighter than an Excel/XLS or Learjet 55; a family with a lot of gear should double-check the manifest.
Gallery
Vetting Behind Every Trip
Every operator, aircraft, and crew goes through our internal due diligence before we present any options. Our internal standards meet or exceed what the FAA requires:
- FAR Part 135 charter operators for traditional private aircraft, or FAR Part 121 for airliner-size and group trips (or the foreign equivalent on international legs)
- Operator subscription to Wyvern and ARGUS reviewed where the operator participates; reports may be provided on request.
- Pilot experience and operator incident history reviewed before we recommend an aircraft.
- Fewer than 60 brokers worldwide hold Premium Wyvern Broker Member status, and Air Charter Advisors is one of them.
Charter Pricing Reference
Industry hourly rates for the Cessna Citation III run $4,000 to $5,200 per hour as of 7/2026. Actual quotes vary by operator, routing, positioning, and date.
For an APF-to-ASE ski trip the Citation III typically bills 3.5 to 4.0 flight hours nonstop.
Other Midsize Jets Available
- Cessna Citation Excel / XLS
- Cessna Citation VII
- Embraer Legacy 450
- Falcon 20
- Gulfstream G100 / G150 / IAI Astra SPX
- Hawker 750
Contact
For a quote on a Cessna Citation III charter in or out of Naples, head to our contact page. For the vetting work behind every trip, see our safety page. To browse cross-category options for the same trip, visit the aircraft directory.
The hourly rates provided are estimates based on 2026 market data and are for informational purposes only. These figures are subject to change and do not constitute a final offer. Final pricing is dynamic and depends on real-time factors including, but not limited to, specific itinerary requirements, aircraft positioning (“ferry” fees), fuel price volatility, and current market availability. These estimates exclude all applicable taxes, de-icing, landing and handling fees, special event fees, international surcharges, overnight crew expenses, and premium catering. Please contact Air Charter Advisors directly for a firm, all-inclusive quote tailored to your specific travel needs.