Iai Westwind II vs Cessna Citation III

The IAI Westwind and Citation midsize jets compare an older wide-cabin straight-wing twin against the Cessna midsize line.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily

Iai Westwind II
For sale now
6
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
4
Source marketplaces
3
Model years available
1980–1986
Cessna Citation III
For sale now
11
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
6
Source marketplaces
6
Model years available
1983–1989

Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model IAI Westwind II Cessna Citation III
Iai Westwind II
View 6 listings →
Median $533,950
 Cessna Citation III
View 10 listings →
Median $1,137,500
Price Range $368,750 – $747,685 $1,103,750 – $1,171,250
Category Midsize Jet Midsize Jet
Model Specifications
Seats — 10
Cruise Speed 390 kts (722 km/h) 431 kts (798 km/h)
Range 2,390 nm (4,426 km) 2,054 nm (3,804 km)
Service Ceiling — 51,000 ft (15,545 m)
Max Gross Weight 23,500 lbs (10,660 kg) 22,000 lbs (9,979 kg)
Fuel Burn — 210.0 GPH (795 L/h)
TBO — 4,000 hrs
Overhaul Cost — $350,000
Annual Fixed — $350,000
Hourly Variable — $2,800
Engines — 2 x Turbofan

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

IAI Westwind II

Cessna Citation III

Fuel$1,155/hr
Variable$2,800/hr
Annual Fixed$350,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $910,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: IAI Westwind II or Cessna Citation III?

Bottom line: Choose the Citation for support and resale; choose the Westwind for a roomy cabin at low acquisition cost (older, support-dependent). Citation = support; Westwind = cabin/value. ================================================================ # CROSS-REFS — Learjet/Cessna/Hawker mirrors. Astra→Gulfstream G100/G150 lineage.

Pick the Westwind II if…

  • Budget matters — from $368,750 vs $1,103,750, you save ~$735,000.
  • Longer range — 2390 nm vs 2054 nm.

Pick the Citation III if…

  • Faster cruise — 431 kts vs 390 kts.
  • Newer design — production from 1983 vs 1979.
  • More inventory — 10 listings vs 6.

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, IAI Westwind II or Cessna Citation III?
It depends on your mission and budget. The Westwind II cruises at 390 kts with 2,390 nm range. The Citation III cruises at 431 kts with 2,054 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
IAI Westwind II: from $577,952. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between IAI Westwind II and Cessna Citation III?
Cruise: 390 vs 431 kts. Range: 2390 vs 2054 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Citation III: about $2800/hr variable cost. Variable cost includes fuel, reserves and overhaul accruals. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add to the total.
Which has more seats and useful load?
Citation III: 10 seats. Useful load = max gross weight minus empty weight; it determines how much fuel plus payload you can carry.
How does maintenance compare — TBO and overhaul cost?
Citation III: 4,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$350,000. Reaching the time-between-overhaul (TBO) triggers a mandatory engine/airframe rebuild that affects resale value.
Disclaimer: All prices and cost estimates are from third-party sources for informational purposes only. Always obtain professional appraisal and inspection before purchase.
Prices updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data