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Citation: A History
The CITATION brand of aircraft is the most popular line of business jets in the world. With more than 35 million flight hours – far more than any of its competitors – Citation branded aircraft allow customers to expand their business reach.
HISTORY
Clyde Cessna set out to offer business travelers an option that was simpler, quieter and less costly than other business jets on the market. Jets weren’t foreign to then-called Cessna Aircraft Company, but business jets were, until the late ‘60’s.
Launched in October 1968 as the Fanjet 500, the new business jet combined the company’s expertise as the market leader in producing single and twin-engine general aviation aircraft and its knowledge of military jets.
The prototype, rechristened Citation 500, made its first flight September 15, 1969 from the company’s Wichita facility, piloted by Milt Sills and J L LeSueur. Certification was awarded in September 1971.
Following the first Citation, the company would go on to develop the Citation II (Bravo), III, VI, VII during the latter part of the 20th century into the early new millennium. Upgrades to avionics and power mark this time in Citation history as Cessna jets began to dominate the market. The Citation Ultra and Encore both saw improvements in PRATT & WHITNEY engines until the CitationJet changed the game with a new carry-through section, wing and T-tail, which marked the beginning of the coveted CJ series of Citation jets.
The late 1990’s brought the Citation X, later revealing the X+ as well as the Citation Excel, which would later evolve into the XLS and Citation XLS+ jet, which is sold to this day. The development of the Mustang took stepping up into a jet a new experience for many owners and operators, dominating the market for many years. The Cessna brand jets would later evolve into even larger cabins including the Sovereign and Sovereign + and later leading into the best-selling Citation LATITUDE aircraft and the expansion into the super mid-size category with the Citation LONGITUDE aircraft.
Since the delivery of the first Citation in 1972, the Citation brand continues to set the standard in the business jet market. Citation jets are renowned for their ability to combine reliability, efficiency and comfort with advanced technology and class-leading performance. This unique combination has resulted in a level of unparalleled quality Citation operators around the globe have come to know and value.
TODAY
A hallmark of the company has always been responding to customer desires for more advanced operational capability and efficiency, and the Cessna Citation jet family quickly evolved with larger aircraft, more progressive technology and enhanced cabin comfort and productivity. That spirit of innovation continues today with more advanced design and production processes.
With the world’s most diversified jet portfolio, the Citation jet family has the power to carry you and your business forward. Customers can choose from a full range of options, each designed to help you meet any challenge you’re facing. Every aircraft is engineered to perform at the highest level of efficiency—all while delivering elevated levels of comfort and added peace of mind.
AIRCRAFT
CITATION M2 GEN2
The Cessna Citation M2 Gen2 jet is the ultimate combination of beauty and efficiency. The M2 Gen2 aircraft is the entry level jet that pilots have been asking for. Speed, control, range and comfort complete the aircraft providing you with serious jet performance.
Perfect for corporate, charter or private use, the M2 Gen2 jet features in-cabin technology, touch-controlled avionics suited for a single pilot and two powerful Williams FJ44 engines, facilitating cruising speed of up to 404 knots. A GARMIN G3000 flight deck provides an ideal flying experience.
The Citation M2 Gen2 jet delivers fast, efficient trips with exceptional range at 1,550 nm. The interior is finished with category-leading craftsmanship and room for up to seven passengers. An optional wireless cabin management system and LED lighting finish off the design to create an aircraft owners and operators love.
CITATION CJ3+
The Cessna Citation CJ3+ jet delivers superior, unparalleled reliability without sacrificing productivity and comfort. It’s the perfect combination of range, speed and operating economics supplying you with the best ability in high and hot airports.
With the CJ3+ jet, standard features go above and beyond the rest with seating for up to nine passengers and 1,000 pounds of baggage capacity. A belted lavatory and TCAS II come in every aircraft along with options for phone and internet capabilities in the cabin.
With upgraded flight deck power by Garmin G3000 avionics operating this single-pilot certified jet is so intuitive; it’s fueling the passion for flight in pilots and passengers alike. You can count on this jet to take your business and personal travel to new heights.
CITATION CJ4 GEN2
If you’re ready for your next achievement, meet our next-generation jet. Expertly designed, exquisitely crafted, the reimagined Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen2 jet elevates your travel experience from the moment you step on board. The amenities you’ll discover range from eye-catching to productivity-enhancing with COOLVIEW skylights, upgraded seating and a wireless cabin management system giving you instant control of lighting, window shades and cabin temperature.
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.
At the top of the single-pilot class, this aircraft meets the needs of corporate flight departments and owner-operators alike. With a trusted pedigree and fully reimagined cabin, the CJ4 Gen2 jet can help you pursue your business goals while you enjoy the journey.
CITATION XLS GEN2
The best-selling model of the best-selling brand, the Cessna Citation XLS Gen2 aircraft combines transcontinental range and remarkable efficiency in a beautiful midsize jet.
The XLS Gen2 jet’s first-class cabin offers comfortable room for up to 12 passengers. A spacious interior allows those inside to stand and move about the cabin with ease. The high-quality leather seats are extra wide with full reclining capabilities for optimal comfort.
Collins Aerospace Pro Line 21 avionics deliver NextGen-ready performance as the world’s most recognized flight deck. Rest assured your whole team can fly in comfort and arrive closer to your destination, allowing you to spend less time traveling and more time at the job site or with your customer.
CITATION LATITUDE
Start with proven Citation aircraft systems. Add intelligent innovation, class-leading performance, a spacious cabin and standard equipment that steps above midsize expectations. All of this at a price for performance other jets cannot match. The Cessna Citation LATITUDE jet offers a wide, flat-floor with a 6-foot stand-up cabin at a midsize price. Coupled with a range to take you 2,700 nm, you can fly nonstop from Los Angeles to New York or Geneva to Dubai. There’s a reason it’s the best-selling midsize business jet.
The Citation Latitude jet is the first aircraft in its class to push the comfort level while keeping you connected. A low cabin altitude keeps you feeling refreshed while the class-leading baggage compartment is spacious enough to accommodate your luggage wherever you’re going, whether for business or pleasure.
Equipped with NextGen-capable, touch-screen Garmin G5000 avionics, the Citation Latitude aircraft offers a large cockpit ensuring everyone in the air is at maximum comfort and productivity.
CITATION LONGITUDE
The Citation Longitude aircraft was designed with your business and return on investment in mind: transatlantic range, advanced engineering and an unforgettable cabin experience all come together with the lowest total ownership costs of any super-midsize jet. Simply put: this aircraft delivers the reliability and efficiency you need to maximize the value of every mission. Take control of your most valuable asset and see how far you can go with the Citation Longitude super-midsize jet.
Comfort is felt it as soon as you step inside: a spacious, flat-floor, six-foot stand up cabin with best-in-class legroom for ultimate comfort. We then developed exclusive soundproofing techniques to design the world’s quietest super-midsize cabin. Whether you’re resting or conducting business, enjoy the peace and quiet needed to make the most of your time in the air. Plus, between the wireless cabin management system that puts you in control of the cabin, and fully integrated autothrottles in the cockpit, the Citation Longitude jet brings the latest technology to the super-midsize segment.