Textron’s Citation series has long been synonymous with performance and reliability in the business jet market. Among its lineup, the Citation Sovereign and its successor, the Sovereign+, are certainly two of my favorites due to their excellent range, comfortable cabin, and flexibility in accessing airports with shorter runways. While the Sovereign set a high standard when it was first introduced in 2004, the Sovereign+, introduced in 2013, built upon that foundation with several key enhancements, making it an attractive option for travelers who value range, efficiency, and advanced technology.

In this article, we will delve into the differences between the Citation Sovereign and the Citation Sovereign+ and explore some of the key features that may influence your buying decision.

• 1. Engines and Performance Enhancements

One of the most significant upgrades in the Sovereign+ is its engine. While the Sovereign is equipped with the Pratt & Whitney PW306C engines, the Sovereign+ benefited from the newer Pratt & Whitney PW306D engines. This upgrade offers a range of improvements, particularly in fuel efficiency and thrust which enhances overall aircraft performance.

Sovereign: The PW306C engines have a maximum thrust of 5,770 lbs per engine allowing for a maximum cruise speed of approximately 458 knots, suitable for many missions but not optimized for fuel economy at longer ranges.

Sovereign+: The PW306D engines are equipped with autothrottles and are capable of a slightly higher maximum cruise speed of 460 knots utilizing an increased maximum thrust of 5,907 lbs of thrust per engine. This speed increase, while modest, coupled with the wing “swooplets” contributes significantly to the airplane’s efficiency and extended range capability.

The enhanced performance of the Sovereign+ not only allows it to fly faster but also translates into more flexibility and range, making it a better choice for transcontinental and overwater flights.

• 2. Range and the Ability to Reach Hawaii

As previously mentioned, a standout feature of the Sovereign+ is its extended range due in large part to the upgraded engines and swooplets, which makes it capable of flying from the U.S. mainland to Hawaii under favorable conditions—something the original Sovereign cannot reliably achieve.

Sovereign: The original model has a published maximum IFR range of around 2,847 nautical miles. While this is sufficient for many domestic routes and even some shorter international flights, it falls short when it comes to safely reaching Hawaii from the West Coast. 

Sovereign+: With a published maximum IFR range of 3,001 nautical miles, the Sovereign+ surpasses the range of its predecessor by roughly 150 miles. This increase is achieved through a combination of the upgraded engines and improved aerodynamics (discussed below).

The ability of the Sovereign+ to reach Hawaii allows travelers and owners to make long overwater flights while still enjoying the flexibility of a midsize jet. The ability to safely fly to Hawaii makes the Sovereign+ stand out in its class, as few midsize jets have the range and capabilities required for such missions.

• 3. Aerodynamics and Wing Design

The Sovereign+ also benefits from improvements in aerodynamics that enhance its performance and range. While the original Sovereign has a well-designed wing structure suitable for efficient performance, the Sovereign+ takes it further with the addition of its signature “swooplets”. 

Sovereign: The standard wing design offers solid lift and efficiency but does not include winglets or swooplets, which limits the aircraft’s ability to effectively reduce drag, especially at higher altitudes. However, there is an aftermarket winglet installation offered through Winglet Technology, which costs roughly $550,000 to install.

Sovereign+: The Sovereign+ features newly-designed “swooplets” that significantly reduce drag and turbulence, allowing the aircraft to operate with improved fuel efficiency. This aerodynamic enhancement not only extends the aircraft’s range but also enhances its climb performance, allowing it to reach cruising altitude faster.

The winglets are a crucial part of why the Sovereign+ can achieve a longer range than its predecessor, making it viable for longer routes, including transcontinental and overwater missions like flights to Hawaii. It’s worth noting that the classic Sovereign equipped with aftermarket winglets will also improve efficiency and range.

• 4. Avionics and Technology Upgrades

Modern avionics play a critical role in enhancing pilot efficiency, reducing workload, and improving safety. The Citation Sovereign and Sovereign+ differ significantly in their avionics systems, with the Sovereign+ boasting a far more advanced suite.

Sovereign: The original model is equipped with the Honeywell Primus Epic avionics system. While reliable, it lacks some of the more modern features found in newer jets and doesn’t offer the same level of user-friendly interface and automation as its successor.

Sovereign+: One of the most substantial upgrades in the Sovereign+ is the installation of the Garmin G5000 avionics suite. This system includes touchscreen controls, synthetic vision technology, and enhanced situational awareness tools that significantly improve the flying experience for pilots. It also provides WAAS/LPV approach capabilities, which are essential for precision landings at airports with shorter runways.

The advanced avionics in the Sovereign+ not only make flying more efficient and safe but also reduce pilot workload, allowing for better focus during critical phases of flight. This upgrade is particularly advantageous for long-range and overwater flights, where precision and efficiency are crucial.

• 5. Cabin Comfort and Passenger Experience

The Citation Sovereign has always been known for its comfortable cabin, but the Sovereign+ enhances the in-flight experience with several improvements in design and technology.

Sovereign: The cabin in the original Sovereign offers a spacious and well-appointed interior with comfortable seating and essential amenities, but it lacks some of the modern enhancements and conveniences found in newer jets.

Sovereign+: The Sovereign+ features an updated cabin design that includes improved soundproofing, more advanced LED lighting, and upgraded seating for enhanced comfort. The galley area is also redesigned to provide better service capabilities. 

The combination of these enhancements creates a more luxurious and productive environment for passengers, aligning with the needs of travelers who value both comfort and the ability to work efficiently while in the air.

• 6. Takeoff and Landing Performance

Both the Citation Sovereign and Sovereign+ are designed to operate from shorter runways, making them versatile options for business travelers who need access to smaller airports. However, the Sovereign+ has slight advantages in this area due to its improved performance and efficiency.

Sovereign: The original model offers good takeoff and landing performance, allowing it to access many smaller airports with shorter runways. The published take-off distance is 3,640 ft at sea level, in standard atmosphere conditions.

Sovereign+: The aerodynamic enhancements, such as the swooplets and the improved engine efficiency, allow the Sovereign+ to have even better takeoff and landing capabilities. The published take-off distance is 3,530 ft at sea level in standard atmosphere conditions, meaning it can operate on shorter runways, providing greater access to a broader range of airports, including those that may be closer to final destinations and away from major commercial hubs.

In conclusion, I’m a fan of both the Citation Sovereign and Sovereign+.  If you have a $10M+ budget, the Sovereign+ is the clear choice. But if your budget is less than $10M and you still want one of the best midsize jets on the market, the Sovereign is one of my favorites. Need more range? Add the aftermarket winglets. Want enhanced creature comforts in the cabin? Visit Textron, Yingling Aviation or West Star to get quotes on a new interior. Whether you’re flying transcontinental or overwater, the Sovereign/+ offers a perfect blend of performance, luxury, efficiency and versatility that few other midsize jets can match.

Looking for a good buy? Give me a call. No one knows the Sovereign/+ markets like I do. Email [email protected] or call +1 (312) 246-2508.