Cessna CitationJet (525) / CJ1 charter: rent the popular light jet
The CitationJet/CJ1 jets are a series of light business jets. The twin-engine low-wing aircraft are built by U.S. manufacturer Cessna, which has been part of the Textron Group since 1992. The Model 525 was first introduced in October 1989. The six-seater made its maiden flight on April 29, 1991, and was certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on October 16, 1992. The first customer delivery took place in March 1993.
The original 525 CitationJet model was developed as a replacement for the discontinued Citation I. This was preceded by price increases for the Pratt & Whitney engines, which meant that the jet could no longer be offered at a competitive price. In many ways, the CitationJet was an entirely new aircraft: it used a modified version of the forward fuselage, optimized laminar-flow wings and a new T-tail. To reduce its drag, a cowling wrapped part of the wing and the engines were mounted higher up on the tail. Composite materials were used to save weight on non-load-bearing components, such as the fairing and the nose of the aircraft. The CitationJet's fuselage is 27 centimeters shorter than that of the Citation I, and the lowered center aisle allowed the cabin height to be increased.
The aircraft, which weighs around 4,500 kilograms, is powered by newly developed Williams FJ44 engines, which were later also used in light jets from other manufacturers, such as the PC-24.from Pilatus. The advanced Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS) avionics relieve the pilot's workload when flying and provide greater safety for all passengers through intelligent traffic collision avoidance systems. The Cessna CitationJet has a single pilot certificate. The Cessna Citation CJ1 (also Model 525) represents a further development of the original CitationJet. In addition to the avionics system, the maximum takeoff weight of the still comparatively light private jet has also been improved.
The CitationJet series from Cessna is used primarily for domestic flights or short trips to neighboring countries because of its suitability for short distances. Transatlantic flights are possible with stopovers, but rather uncommon. For longer flights, there are more comfortable and faster alternatives. A comparatively short runway is sufficient for the popular light aircraft. Therefore, passengers can also travel in a CitationJet from us to smaller airports.
By June 2017, 2,000 units of all CitationJet variants had been delivered. In total, the series has already clocked up an impressive 5 million flight hours.
The Cessna CitationJet is one of the most popular private jets in the world. Therefore, it is not surprising that famous personalities such as the US racing driver Jeff Burton, the English model Cara Delevingne, the French DJ David Guetta and the acting legend Harrison Ford also own one of the popular specimens.
Advantages of a Cessna CitationJet (525) / CJ1 as a rental aircraft:
First class availability: One advantage of the Cessna CitationJet as a charter aircraft is its availability. Since it is one of the most popular light business aircraft in the world, there is usually a good deal on charter flights. This can be especially important when traveling at short notice.
Short-range champion: With a range of up to 2,750 kilometers, it is optimally designed for shorter distances. Its lightweight and aerodynamic design allows it to consume less fuel than larger jets. The CitationJet is particularly suitable for intra-European flights.
Best-selling light jet: The CitationJet is the best-selling light business jet because it is affordable, reliable and efficient. It also offers excellent value for private jet charter flights, making it a popular choice for business and leisure travelers alike.
Low operating costs: The light jet's low operating costs make the 525 an advantageous choice for many private jet charter flights. Its FJ44 engines are particularly fuel-efficient, and the long availability of the CitationJet family means it is a particularly technically mature aircraft.
Proven design: The CitationJet is a popular private jet for charter flights due to its proven design. The business jet has been in production since 1993 and has a long track record of reliability and safety. The long production history also means that it has been refined and updated over time and is considered an extremely proven aircraft, not least because of this.
Disadvantages of a Cessna CitationJet (525) / CJ1 as a rental aircraft:
Range Limitation: The CitationJet has a limited range and cannot fly as far as other private jets in its class. This could be a disadvantage for private jet charter flights to more distant destinations, as a stopover would have to be scheduled when traveling in the Cessna Jet. Passengers travel about 500 kilometers further in the newer CJ2+, for example.
Limited comfort: The CitationJet aircraft family is equipped with limited comfort features. Compared to larger, more luxurious business jets, the small Cessna Jet takes a back seat when it comes to using travel time for meetings, focused work or relaxation. The cabin is compact, but can feel a bit cramped when fully occupied. In addition, storage space is limited.
More than 30 years have passed since the CitationJet Model 525 first took off on April 29, 1991. Compared to its predecessor, it featured improved avionics and a more efficient wing design. Also, thanks to its two brand-new Williams FJ44-1A turbofan engines, it offered an advanced blend of performance, efficiency and passenger comfort. And all this in a jet aircraft that was easy to operate by a single pilot.
These features have been maintained in subsequent CJ variants certified since the original CitationJet and further developed in the face of increased competition. To date, Cessna has delivered more than 2,000 Type 525 models, representing more than one-third of the manufacturer's total Citation model line. According to industry reports, Cessna's CJ jets are the best-selling light jet series in private aviation.
Today, the 525 model lives on in the current M2 Gen2, CJ3+ and Citation CJ4 Gen2 series. While these newer variants attract the most attention today, the original CitationJet remains an extremely attractive choice. Whether it's for business people looking for a reliable private aircraft to charter or a low-cost entry into the light jet segment with a high self-flying ownership percentage.
Aircraft data / Technical data (Variant Cessna Citation CJ1 Model 525)
| Aircraft category | Light Jet |
| Manufacturer | Cessna (Textron Aviation Inc.) |
| Model | CJ1 (Model 525) |
| Number of units produced | 198 |
| Production period | 2000 |
| Engine | 2 x Williams FJ44-1A |
| Price | 4.95 million US dollars (base new price) |
| Crew | 1 Pilot |
| Toilet | 1 (back) |
Performance
| Take-off route | 991 m |
| Landing distance | 789 m |
| Maximum speed | 706 km/h |
| Range | 2.408 km |
| Maximum flight altitude | 12.497 m |
Capacity
| Passenger capacity | 5 |
| Maximum payload with full tank | 252 kg |
| Capacity of the most common rental variant | 5 |
Cabin
| Cabin volume | 6 m³ |
| Cabin (length x width x height) | 3,35 m x 1,47 m x 1,45 m |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much does a Cessna CitationJet cost?
Neither the original CitationJet nor the CJ1 are still in production. Anyone interested in purchasing one of these jets must therefore look for a used model. A Cessna CitationJet business jet in acceptable condition costs between $1 million and $1.4 million. However, depending on the age and condition of the aircraft, buyers may be able to acquire a used example for much less. These factors, however, will affect the remaining useful life of the jet. The older the aircraft and the more it has been used, the more budget must be budgeted for maintenance. On average, private jets have a service life of up to 25 years and around 12,000 flight hours.
Is the Cessna CitationJet (525)/CJ1 certified for single-pilot operation?
The Cessna CitationJet (525)/CJ1 Jet is certified for single-pilot flight. Optionally, however, a co-pilot can also fly in the cockpit.
Does the Cessna CitationJet have an on-board toilet?
Yes, the Citationjet has a toilet. It is not completely separated, but can be used in exceptional situations.
How does the Cessna Citation CJ1 differ from the Cessna Citation CJ2?
The CJ2 is a slightly larger and faster version of its smaller brother, the CJ1. The cabin is 84 centimeters longer and the wingspan is almost 89 centimeters larger. Thanks to more modern engines, the CJ2 has a higher cruising speed and is more efficient than the CJ1. The cabin seats six passengers - one more than in the CJ1.
How many Cessna CitationJet (525)/CJ1 have been sold so far?
A total of 443 units of the series were sold between 1996 and 2005. No independent data is available on the production period from 1993 to 1995. With 64 units delivered, 1998 was the most successful year for American aircraft manufacturers. This sales success has only been surpassed once within the CJ series, by the CJ3 in 2008, with 88 aircraft sold.
Which airports can be approached with a CitationJet (525)/CJ1?
Designed to operate at airports with short runways, the Citation CJ1 is the perfect choice for those who shy away from the cost and time of ground transportation. The CitationJet is one of the few private business jets certified to operate at London City Airport. It can also easily fly to other small airports in Central Europe, including Lugano and St. Moritz airports in Switzerland and Nice Airport on the Côte d'Azur.
