Summary
- CJ series had 273,522 flights in 2023, popular for efficiency and fuel economy.
- Citation M2, CJ2, CJ3+, CJ4, and Sovereign are the top five operators.
- Citation Sovereign offers luxurious comfort and a 495 mph cruise speed.
Last year, the Cessna Citation Jet family aircraft, including the M2, CJ2, CJ3+, and CJ4, topped the total number of flights, amounting to 273,522 flights. Known for their efficiency and fuel economy, the CJ series is widely used by private owners and charter operators.
In the midsize class, the Citation V, Ultra, and Encore were responsible for an additional 255,912 flights in 2023. Popular for its spacious cabin and long range, the Citation Sovereign had 200,982 flights last year. This article focuses on the top five operators in the Citation family.
1
Cessna Citation M2
The smallest member of the Citation family
- Range: 1,785 miles
- List price: $4.7 million
- Williams FJ44-1AP-21 turbofan engines
- Cruise speed: 456 mph
- Still in production
Business Insider reports that the Cessna Citation M2 is the smallest member and one of the most popular in terms of its operations. Whether it is owned (or fractionally owned) or a corporate charter flight, the jets remain an economical and fuel-efficient option for elite travelers.
Photo: Kevin Hackert | Shutterstock
According to Textron Aviation,
“Perfect for corporate, charter, or private use, the Citation M2® Gen2™ jet features enhanced cabin lighting, upgraded cabin technology, and a Garmin® G3000® flight deck with touchscreen avionics suited for a single pilot.”
The Citation M2 has a seating capacity of up to seven passengers. With a takeoff distance of 3,210 ft, the aircraft enables operations from short fields and regional airstrips.
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The Citation M2 is also known as the Citation CJ1.
2
Cessna Citation CJ2
Production of the jet ended in 2016
- A stretched version of the CJ1
- First delivered in 2000
- Range: 1,375 miles
- Cruise speed: 481 mph
- Available for purchase or charter
- Original list price in 2016: $6.5 million
- Current pre-owned price: $4.5 million
In the late 1990s, Cessna felt the need to offer a stretched version of the CJ1, enabling more flexibility in size and operational range for customers. With an exterior length of nearly 48 feet and a height nearing 14 ft, the jet can accommodate up to six passengers comfortably.
The CJ2 received much less traction in the market than it was expected. The lighter airframe and inexpensive Williams engines did not cut it for the CJ2. Cessna believed that the CJ3+ and M2 models were better suited for the market. Despite the end of production, the CJ2s continue to fly and are available as pre-owned for approximately $4.5 million.
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The aircraft completed its maiden flight in 1977.
3
Cessna Citation CJ3+
List price of $7.2 million
- Lighter and faster than CJ2
- Features Garmin cockpit
- Advanced handling
- Reduced fuel burn
- Cabin length: Nearly 16 ft
- Comfortably fit eight seats
The Citation CJ3+ is one of the most successful editions of the Citation family, enabling seating for up to nine passengers. The original ‘club’ configuration allows seating for six people; however, the manufacturer offers two more seats in the main cabin or a refreshment center.
Photo: InsectWorld | Shutterstock
The flight deck is designed for single pilot operations, meaning an additional passenger can be accommodated. With a maximum cruise speed of 416 knots (480 moh), the aircraft has an operational range of 2,040 NM (2,350 miles). The aircraft requires a takeoff field length of 3,180 ft, even shorter than the M2.
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4
Cessna Citation CJ4
Maximum passenger capacity: 10
- Operational range: 2,165 NM (2,490 miles)
- Useful load: 6,950 lbs
- Takeoff field length: 3,410 ft
- Two feet longer than the CJ3+
- Cabin length: Nearly 17.5 feet
- List price: $8.9 million
With a greater speed, range, agility, and passenger capacity, the CJ4 is the fastest and highest-range Cessna Jet in production. The largest member of the family can accommodate up to 10 passengers, placing it uniquely between a light jet and a midsize jet.
Photo: Textron Aviation
According to Textron Aviation,
“The CJ4 Gen2 jet also delivers the proven performance of its predecessor. The Collins Aerospace Pro Line 21 avionics suite allows one pilot to effectively operate the aircraft. Features such as single point refueling, an externally serviceable lavatory and excellent range deliver what crew and cabin passengers have come to expect from a Citation jet.”
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The CJ4 Gen 2 has the maximum operational range among all Citation family aircraft.
Various seating configurations, including an optional couch and a lavatory seat, can be opted based on customer requirements.
5
Cessna Citation Sovereign
- Cabin height: 5.7 ft
- Cabin width: 5.5 ft
- Cabin length: 24.2 ft
- Baggage capacity: 100-cubic-ft
- Handstitched leather seats configured for conversation
- Convenient pop-out tables
- Plentiful lighting and storage in lavatory
- Two lavatory windows offer additional natural light
Announced in 1998 during the NBAA Convention, the Cessna Sovereign performed its maiden flight in February 2002. The Citation Sovereign was developed from Citation Excel, with a stretched fuselage and an all-new larger wing. The additional weight enabled seating for up to 12 passengers and improved Pratt & Whitney Canada PW306D turbofan engines.
The aircraft also features larger trailing edge flaps, allowing superior runway performance. It remains one of the most popular aircraft with charter operators. According to NetJets,
“The Cessna Citation Sovereign offers nonstop luxury travel from destinations like Vancouver, Canada, to Chicago, Illinois. Passengers appreciate its unique interior, featuring the ever-popular double-club seating.”
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“The well-appointed cabin of every Citation Sovereign is conducive to both work and leisure. This graceful jet reaches a high-speed cruise of 495 miles per hour.”
What are your thoughts on the most operated Cessna Citation jets? Share your views in the comments section.