Light jets are the workhorses of Chicago charter, and they cover most of what leaves the metro in a given week.
Textron introduced the Cessna Citation Ultra in 1994. It seats 7 to 8 with a published range of 1,710 nautical miles and a cruise speed of 427 knots. The aircraft has a service ceiling of 45,000 feet, 67 cubic feet of baggage volume and an enclosed lavatory.
Performance and Cabin
- Category: Light Jet
- Manufacturer: Cessna (Textron Aviation)
- Year introduced: 1994
- Seating: 7 to 8
- Crew: 2
- Range: 1,710 nautical miles
- Cruise speed: 427 knots
- Service ceiling: 45,000 feet
- Length: 48.9 feet
- Wingspan: 52.2 feet
- Height: 15 feet
- Baggage volume: 67 cubic feet
- Lavatory: Enclosed
Why the Cessna Citation Ultra Fits Chicago
For Chicago trips this aircraft earns its place on the shorter runs. With 1,710 nautical miles of published range, it covers trips from Chicago to destinations such as Nashville, Denver and Las Vegas, allowing for reserves and routing. Customs at the two most convenient Chicago general aviation fields runs on a weekday daytime window with prior notice, so an international leg wants planning early.
Chicago trips in this class run from Chicago Executive (KPWK), DuPage Airport (KDPA) and Chicago Midway International (KMDW), with the smaller regional fields available depending on the routing. Whether it can use a particular airport on your date is the operator’s performance calculation for that aircraft, that weight and that day, and your advisor will confirm it before anything is booked.
How Chicago Clients Use the Cessna Citation Ultra
Light jets cover the routes this market flies most: Chicago to Detroit, Milwaukee, Indianapolis, Minneapolis and Nashville. Six to eight seats, a lavatory on most types, and enough range for the whole Midwest without a fuel stop.
Tell us the route, the passenger count and what is traveling with you, and your advisor will confirm whether this aircraft is the right fit or point you to a better one. We will also tell you which Chicago-area field makes the most sense for the trip.
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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.
- 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
- Estimated hourly rate: $3,300 to $4,500 (as of 9/2026)
Contact
Call an advisor at +1-888-987-5387 at any hour, or send the trip through our contact page. You can read how we check operators, crews and insurance on our safety page.
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.