Citation I private jet exterior
Very Light Jet

Cessna

Cessna Citation I Private Jet Charter

Where the best-selling jet dynasty in history began: Cessna's 1972 original, the approachable 'near-jet' built for pilots stepping up from propellers.

From

€2,600/hour

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Sophie Marchant

Written by Sophie Marchant · Senior Business Aviation Editor · 9+ years aviation experience

Reviewed by Thomas Werner · Aviation Operations Reviewer

Last updated

About the Cessna Citation I

Every Citation flying — and there have been more of them than any other business jet — descends from this one. When Cessna launched the original Citation in 1972, it deliberately did not chase speed. Rivals were faster; the Citation was easier. Cessna built a jet a piston-twin or turboprop owner-pilot could actually fly, with gentle manners, a low approach speed and the option of single-pilot operation, behind a pair of quiet Pratt & Whitney JT15D turbofans. Critics nicknamed it the 'Slowtation' at 761 km/h — and Cessna laughed all the way to becoming the world's largest business-jet maker. It seats 4 over 1,527 km: the patriarch of the line.

Performance Excellence

Flown by one or two crew, the Citation I covers 1,527 km / 824 nm at up to 761 km/h (411 ktas) — modest figures that were always the point, not the limitation. Around 10 remain in European charter at roughly €2,600 per hour, among the most affordable jet seats anywhere. Slow by design and small by choice, it matters out of all proportion to its specification: the 1972 original that founded the Citation dynasty and made the private jet approachable.

Cabin Comfort

The Citation I's cabin is modest and honest: 2.84 m long, 1.37 m wide and 1.37 m tall, a snug four-seat space sized for short hops rather than continental crossings. There is no pretence of a stand-up aisle or three-zone layout here — this is the cabin that introduced thousands of owner-pilots to the idea that a private jet could be theirs to fly, simply and without a flight department. Its low cabin altitude and quiet JT15D engines made even a one-hour hop feel a tier above the turboprops it replaced. Plain, durable, and historically the most important small cabin Cessna ever built.

High-speed WiFi keeps you connected throughout your flight, allowing you to work or stay in touch. A full galley enables fresh catering service during your journey. A private lavatory ensures comfort on longer flights.

Why Choose the Citation I?

  • Efficiency: Optimized fuel consumption at — liters per hour
  • Reliability: Powered by proven jet engines
  • Flexibility: Access to major airports worldwide
  • Comfort: Pressurization altitude of 0 ft for a more comfortable cabin environment

Whether you're traveling for business or leisure, the Citation I delivers an exceptional private aviation experience.

ARGUS Certified

Platinum Rated

Wyvern Wingman

Safety Verified

IS-BAO

Stage 3 Certified

24/7 Support

Dedicated Team

Technical Data

Citation I Specifications

Complete technical specifications for the Cessna Citation I.

Performance

Range
1,527 km(825 nm)
Cruise Speed
761 km/h(411 kts)
Max Altitude
45,000 ft
Takeoff Distance
1,067 m
Landing Distance
893 m

Cabin

Cabin Length
2.84 m(9.3 ft)
Cabin Width
1.37 m(4.5 ft)
Cabin Height
1.37 m(4.5 ft)
Cabin Volume
3.6 m³

Capacity

Max Passengers
4
Typical Configuration
4 passengers
Crew Required
2
Baggage Volume
0.6 m³
Baggage Weight
91 kg
Year Introduced
1972

Specifications shown are typical values and may vary by aircraft configuration and serial number. Contact us for specifications of specific available aircraft.

Charter Pricing

Citation I Charter Costs

Estimated charter prices for the Citation I. Final pricing depends on availability, routing, and additional services.

Hourly Rate

€2,600/hour

Typical hourly charter rate

Minimum Flight

2 hours

Minimum flight time required

Included in Price

  • Aircraft & crew
  • Fuel
  • Landing fees
  • Handling
  • Catering (basic)
  • Insurance

Popular Routes with Citation I

RouteDistanceFlight TimeEst. Price
AthensSantorini
218 km39min€5,200View Route →
Los AngelesLas Vegas
373 km52min€5,200View Route →
ManchesterParis
588 km1h 10min€5,200View Route →
ParisNice
695 km1h 20min€5,200View Route →
LondonNice
1,052 km1h 50min€5,200View Route →
LondonIbiza
1,370 km2h 17min€5,900View Route →

Get an exact quote for your specific route and dates.

Get Your Quote
Network

Top operators flying Citation I

These certified operators in our network fly the Citation I. Each is independently audited (ARGUS, Wyvern or IS-BAO) before any aircraft is quoted on Flyius.

VistaJet logo

VistaJet

HQ · Malta

ARGUS PlatinumWyvern WingmanIS-BAO Stage 3

Fleet size

70

Aircraft types

Super-midsize jets · Large-cabin jets · Ultra-long-range jets

TAG Aviation logo

TAG Aviation

HQ · Switzerland

ARGUS PlatinumWyvern WingmanIS-BAO Stage 3

Fleet size

60

Aircraft types

Challenger 300 · Challenger 650 · Global 5000

Air Partner logo

Air Partner

HQ · United Kingdom

ARGUS Gold

Fleet size

LunaJets logo

LunaJets

HQ · Switzerland

Fleet size

PrivateFly logo

PrivateFly

HQ · United Kingdom

Fleet size

Air Charter Service logo

Air Charter Service

HQ · United Kingdom

Fleet size

Every operator listed holds a valid AOC, current insurance and a third-party safety audit. We refuse to broker flights on unvetted aircraft.

See all certified operators
Sustainability

Emissions per mission for the Citation I

Indicative CO₂ per typical mission distance for the Citation I, with SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) offset cost at current market rates. Only missions within the aircraft's range are listed.

Mission · Distance · Flight time · CO₂ · SAF offset cost
Short hop (300 km)Distance:300 kmFlight time:24minCO₂:

720 kg

SAF offset cost:€2,880
European medium (1,500 km)Distance:1,500 kmFlight time:1h 58minCO₂:

3,600 kg

SAF offset cost:€14,400

Emissions estimated using EBAA/EUROCONTROL business-aviation factors. SAF offset priced at €4/kg CO₂ — current market midpoint.

Indicative — cruise altitude

Questions & Answers

Citation I FAQ

Frequently asked questions about chartering the Cessna Citation I.

How much does it cost to charter the Citation I?

Indicative charter rates for the Citation I generally range from EUR 2200 to EUR 3000 per flight hour. The total quote also depends on positioning, minimum daily charges, airport fees, season and availability.

How many passengers can the Citation I carry?

The Citation I typically seats 4 passengers comfortably, with a maximum capacity of up to 4 depending on the cabin layout. Luggage volume should be checked at the same time.

What is the real-world range of the Citation I?

The published indicative range is approximately 1527 km (825 nm). Actual usable range varies with payload, winds, temperature, routing, airport conditions and regulatory reserves.

Does the Citation I have an enclosed lavatory?

Typical charter configurations of the Citation I generally include an enclosed lavatory. The exact cabin layout should still be confirmed on the aircraft offered.

What missions is the Citation I best suited for?

The Citation I is best suited to short sectors with a small group and limited luggage, particularly when total trip cost and regional-airport access matter most.

How do I book a Citation I with Flyius?

Send your route, dates, passenger count and luggage requirements. Flyius compares aircraft that are actually available and may recommend the Citation I or a more suitable alternative for price, comfort or range.

Have more questions about the Citation I?

Contact Our Team

Explore More

Similar Aircraft

Compare the Citation I with similar private jets in the Very Light Jet category.

Citation ICitation 501 I/SPCitation CJCitation CJ1
Max Passengers4444
Range1,527 km1,527 km1,852 km2,149 km
Cruise Speed761 km/h761 km/h867 km/h815 km/h
Cabin Height1.37 m1.37 m1.37 m1.37 m
Hourly Rate€2,600/hour€2,800/hour€2,900/hour€3,000/hour