CitationPartners’ Citation Excel Eagle is seeing a significant jump in valuation. Aircraft valuator specialist Vref increased the premium for the upgraded Citation model from $1.25 million to $1.9 million over a standard Excel, according to CitationPartners president Russ Meyer III. The result, CitationPartners estimated, can be upwards of a $700,000 net financial gain when taking into account the cost of the upgrade and tax breaks.

Meyer noted that inflation had a modest bearing on the jump in valuation, but credited the increase largely on the market response to the upgrade. Founded four years ago by former Cessna executives in partnership with Yingling Aviation and Garmin International, CitationPartners announced the Citation Excel tip-to-tail refurbishment program in early 2021 and began delivery of the aircraft that year, with the first handed over to Blaine, Minnesota-based North Central Aviation.

Upgrades, which can be completed in as little as 60 days, include the installation of Garmin G5000 avionics and a custom interior, with optional exterior refurbishments. The aircraft, which undergo a comprehensive inspection and parts replacement, where necessary, come with a ProParts support program.