The midsize business jet segment offers a compelling balance of capability, comfort, and cost. These aircraft seat eight to twelve passengers, offer ranges of 2,000 to 3,500nm, and provide full standing-height cabins that make longer flights comfortable and productive.
For UK buyers, midsize jets are often the sweet spot: large enough for serious business use, efficient enough for frequent European operations, and versatile enough to reach the Middle East and North Africa when needed.
The Contenders
Cessna Citation XLS+ / Citation Latitude
The Citation XLS+ has been the backbone of the European midsize jet fleet for years. Key specifications:
- Passengers: 8 to 9
- Range: 2,100nm
- Max cruise speed: 441 knots
- Cabin height: 1.73m (5ft 8in)
- Engines: Williams FJ44-4A
- Pre-owned price: £5m to £8m
The Citation Latitude, its successor, offers a wider and taller cabin (1.85m height), increased range of 2,700nm, and Garmin G5000 avionics. Pre-owned Latitude aircraft are available from approximately £10 million.
Embraer Legacy 500 / Praetor 500
The Legacy 500 and its updated successor, the Praetor 500, are the most technologically advanced aircraft in the midsize category:
- Passengers: 8 to 12
- Range: 3,125nm (Legacy 500) / 3,340nm (Praetor 500)
- Max cruise speed: 466 knots
- Cabin height: 1.83m (6ft)
- Engines: Honeywell HTF7500E
- Pre-owned price: £8m to £14m
The Legacy 500/Praetor 500 is the only fly-by-wire aircraft in the midsize category, providing exceptional handling qualities and ride comfort. Its flat-floor cabin is among the widest in the class.
Pilatus PC-24
The PC-24 is a genuinely unique proposition:
- Passengers: 8 to 11
- Range: 2,000nm
- Max cruise speed: 440 knots
- Cabin height: 1.52m (5ft)
- Engines: Williams FJ44-4A-QPM
- Pre-owned price: £8m to £11m
The PC-24 is the only jet certified for unpaved runway operations. Its large cargo door and flat cabin floor make it exceptionally versatile for operators with diverse mission requirements.
Bombardier Challenger 350
The Challenger 350 sits at the upper end of the midsize category:
- Passengers: 8 to 10
- Range: 3,200nm
- Max cruise speed: 448 knots
- Cabin height: 1.85m (6ft 1in)
- Engines: Honeywell HTF7350
- Pre-owned price: £12m to £18m
The Challenger 350 offers the widest cabin in the midsize category and strong range performance. It is a natural step up for operators graduating from light jets who want a meaningful increase in capability.
Comparison Summary
| Aircraft | Range | Speed | Cabin Height | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Citation XLS+ | 2,100nm | 441kt | 1.73m | £5m-£8m |
| Citation Latitude | 2,700nm | 446kt | 1.85m | £10m-£14m |
| Legacy 500 | 3,125nm | 466kt | 1.83m | £8m-£14m |
| PC-24 | 2,000nm | 440kt | 1.52m | £8m-£11m |
| Challenger 350 | 3,200nm | 448kt | 1.85m | £12m-£18m |
Which Midsize Jet is Right for You?
- Best value: Citation XLS+ offers proven reliability at the lowest acquisition cost
- Best technology: Legacy 500 / Praetor 500 with fly-by-wire and the widest flat-floor cabin
- Best versatility: PC-24 for operators needing short-field and unpaved runway access
- Best cabin: Challenger 350 for the widest cabin and longest range
- Best for budget-conscious buyers: Pre-owned Citation XLS+ from £5 million
For expert guidance on selecting the right midsize business jet, contact Aviator Aircraft Sales. Browse our current midsize jets for sale or explore our business jet inventory.