Summary
- Cessna has a fair few new models, including those that have entered service in the past several years.
- Some of these include the Citation CJ4 Gen2, Citation M2 Gen2, and Citation XLS Gen2.
- However, the Citation CJ3 Gen2 and Citation Ascend are scheduled to enter service next year.
Cessnahas become one of the industry’s household names when it comes to private jets. The Wichita, Kansas, United States-based company offers plenty of business aircraft to choose from. Its products range from smaller to larger private jets, and Cessna now has eight different models on offer.
However, while some of those models are newer, some will be phased out with the introduction of newer variants. Cessna and its parent company, Textron, continuously update their product lineup to stay on top of the business aviation market.
5 Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen2
Announced on February 9th, 2021
- Entry-into-service date: February 9th, 2021
Cessna announced the Citation CJ4 Gen2 in February 2021, saying that the update of the largest Citation product in the light jet segment would offer operators a host of features that elevate comfort on the ground and in the sky. Shedding more light on the Gen2 variant, the company said the new cabin features included a new stair and handrail, premium seating options, and enhanced ambient lighting throughout the aircraft.
Photo: Textron
While it might look strange that the aircraft was announced on the same day as Cessna began delivering it to customers, the company’s statement said that the CJ4 Gen2 would remain a 525C type aircraft, meaning it did not have to get its own type certificate (TC). Instead, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had already certified the interior of the CJ4 Gen2.
5 Things Cessna Improved On The Citation CJ4 Gen2 Private Jet
The CJ4 Gen 2 has the maximum operational range among all Citation family aircraft.
4 Cessna Citation M2 Gen2
Announced on October 11th, 2021
- Entry-into-service date: April 4th, 2022
On October 11th, 2021, Textron announced two new private jets on the same day: the Citation M2 Gen2 and another aircraft, which will be listed just down below. However, the M2 Gen2 received its FAA TC a month earlier, meaning it is technically an older aircraft in Cessna’s lineup.
Nevertheless, the aircraft, which was unveiled at the National Business Aviation Association—Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), strengthened the M2 Gen2 platform’s focus on pilot and passenger comfort. The thoughtfully designed aircraft brought an enhanced cabin experience that included new seating options, ambient accent lighting, re-mastered illuminated cupholders, and additional storage inside the cabin.
Photo: Textron Aviation
Christi Tannahill, the Senior Vice President of Customer Experience at Textron Aviation, said that the M2 has quickly become one of Cessna’s most popular light jet models, particularly with owner-operator customers. The Gen2 brought“the latest cabin amenities and technological advances often found in larger jets to the entry-level light jet segment,”she added. Nevertheless, the FAA certified the jet, and Cessna delivered the first M2 Gen2 on April 4th, 2022.
What Exactly Changed With The Cessna Citation M2 Development?
With the retirement of the Citation Mustang, the Cessna Citation M2 became the company’s entry-level private jet for potential customers.
3 Cessna Citation XLS Gen2
Announced on October 11th, 2021
- Entry-into-service date: May 5th, 2022
Describing the Citation XLS Gen2 in the same announcement, Tannahill said that the aircraft was “the best-selling midsize business jet family of the 21st century,”adding that the latest changes will ensure that the model keeps the title.
“Like its predecessors, the XLS Gen2 hits the sweet spot of offering the features, amenities and comfort of a midsize jet, but with lower operating costs.”
Photo: Textron Aviation
Still, much like the CJ4 Gen2, the XLS Gen2 introduced a new lighted airstair door, with a new entry curtain adding additional protection from the elements. Other updates included a new pedestal seat design with individual controls, a state-of-the-art wireless cabin management system, and USB charging ports at each cabin seat. The FAA granted the XLS Gen2 its TC in May 2022, and Cessna immediately began deliveries to its customers.
The Most Flown Business Jet: A Closer Look At The Cessna Citation XLS
A popular jet with passengers and owners alike and for good reason.
2 Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen2
Announced on October 16th, 2023
- Entry-into-service date: 2025 (expected)
One of the two Cessna Citation aircraft that have yet to be delivered to customers, the Citation CJ3 Gen2, was announced in October 2023. Then, at that year’s NBAA-BACE event, Cessna said that the CJ3 Gen2 would raise the bar in the light jet market, with the CJ3 Gen2 being one of its most comprehensive Gen2 product announcements to that date. The CJ3 Gen2 is scheduled to enter service sometime in 2025.
Photo: Textron Aviation
Ron Draper, the president and Chief Executive Officer of Textron Aviation, reiterated the comprehensiveness of the Gen2 upgrade, adding that the CJ3 Gen2 will offer customersproven performance, leading technology solutions, and an unrivaled cabin experience.
“As a pilot of the CJ3 series, I appreciate the aircraft’s excellent range, payload and efficiency, along with new productivity and comfort features. This announcement is a testament to our vision to be the leader in aviation, inspiring the journey of flight.”
Coming In 2025: 5 Cool Things About The Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen2
The new Citation has plenty of exciting features.
1 Cessna Citation Ascend
Announced on May 22nd, 2023
- Entry-into-service date: 2025 (expected)
The latest Cessna private jet, the Citation Ascend, was announced at the European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (EBACE) in May 2023. The midsize business jet will have an entirely new cockpit, improved performance, and a more prestigious cabin. Similar to the CJ3 Gen2, the Citation Ascend is expected to enter service in 2025.
Photo: Textron Aviation
Speaking about the Citation Ascend, Draper said that no other aircraft within the Citation lineup has been flown more than the Citation 560XL series, with such jets taking off or landing every two minutes. The executive was frank in his statement, adding that Cessna asked its customers about their needs and that the company would deliver on its promises when the jet entered service.
New Business Jet: 5 Cool Things About The Cessna Citation Ascend
The aircraft features side-facing seats, flies on sustainable aviation fuel, and includes an all-new cockpit with weather avoidance technology.
