For a Nantucket group of six to eight going a long way, the midsize jet is usually the first aircraft that genuinely fits.
Cessna introduced the Cessna Citation III in 1983. It is flown by a crew of 2. The type carries 6 to 9 passengers, cruises at 472 knots, tops out at 51,000 feet, covers 2,348 nautical miles and holds 60 cubic feet of baggage. Every Cessna Citation III we arrange flies with an operator certified under FAR Part 135, the FAA rules for on-demand, for-hire charter.
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 Nantucket
Midsize departures from the island are out of Nantucket Memorial (KACK).
A published range of 2,348 nautical miles brings Dallas, Houston, Denver and Aspen within reach of Nantucket, before the operator applies reserves and routing for the day.
Winds change the answer as well. A westbound leg into a headwind eats into range, so an aircraft that flies a route nonstop in one season may need a fuel stop in another.
Aircraft with more than nine passenger seats need two hours’ prior permission at Nantucket Memorial Airport, which covers most aircraft in this class. Your advisor makes that call, and it is one reason we ask for your timings early. Martha’s Vineyard requires prior permission twenty-four hours in advance.
The runway required on the day is a performance calculation the operator makes for that aircraft, at that weight, in the conditions on your date, so we confirm it with them for your specific trip.
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 9/2026. Actual quotes vary by operator, routing, positioning, and date.
As a rough guide, Nantucket to Aspen is about 1,679 nautical miles, which is roughly 3.5 to 4.0 hours of flight time at this aircraft’s cruise speed before winds and routing are applied.
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 to or from Nantucket, call 1-888-987-5387 or visit 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.