Citation M2: Rent the powerful entry-level jet from Cessna
Launched in 2013, the Cessna Citation M2 is a current turbofan-powered business jet from Cessna. The aircraft are built at the headquarters of the tradition-rich American aircraft manufacturer in Wichita in the US state of Kansas. Earlier models of the jet family, also known as the 525, include the CJ2+, the Mustang and the CitationJet. Like other Very Light Jets (VLJs), the Citation M2 is certified for single-pilot operation. Equipped with a small on-board toilet, the Citation M2 can carry up to 8 people in its pressurised cabin.
The Citation M2 is based on the predecessor model 525 CitationJet (CJ1+), which was launched back in 1989. The M2 was introduced in September 2011 and took off for the first time on 9 March 2012. Since the production of the Citation Mustang was discontinued in May 2017, the M2 has been the entry-level aircraft in Cessna's Citation business jet series.
Compared to its predecessor, the M2 has a new cabin layout and is up to 41 km/h faster thanks to its two modernised William FJ44 engines. The wings of the Cessna M2 are 10 centimetres wider due to smaller winglets. Cockpit equipment includes the modern Garmin 3000 avionics system, which replaced the aging Pro Line 21 system from Rockwell Collins.
In April 2022, Textron Aviation celebrated the first delivery of the second generation (Gen2) M2: Directly following FAA type certification, the modernised light jet was handed over to the first customer from California. This milestone came less than six months after the current model was unveiled at the NBAA Aviation Trade Show. By upgrading the interior technology and completely redesigning the cabin, the aircraft manufacturer ensured that the M2 remains one of the most popular light jets on the market.
The Citation M2 has a higher rate of climb than the competing Phenom 100E jet from Embraer. It reaches FL410, the abbreviated altitude of 41,000 feet, in just 24 minutes, 27% faster than the Phenom.
Advantages of a Cessna M2 as a rental aircraft:
Faster and further: The Cessna Citation M2 Business Jet is an excellent option for anyone who wants to travel quickly and efficiently. With its powerful Williams International engines, it can fly faster and further than many comparable light aircraft. Its small size also allows it to manoeuvre in tight spaces, making it a popular choice for short-haul or intra-European travel between small or large airports.
Single Pilot Certification: The M2 is certified to operate with only one pilot and is therefore especially popular as an option for shorter charter flights. The saved costs for a second pilot are often reflected in a lower price for the rental. With the Garmin G3000 flight deck, the Light Jet offers an ideal flying experience for the pilot and is easy and comfortable to operate even without a co-pilot.
Club Seating: The club seating of the Citation M2 has the advantage that passengers sit facing each other and can talk more easily. This type of seating is perfect for both business and family travel. Overall, it creates a more intimate atmosphere, which can be helpful for business meetings or other confidential discussions. Another plus: the cabin feels more spacious and open.
Part of something bigger: The Citation M2 is part of the Citation family of business jets, the world's largest business jet fleet: in the fifty years since the first model took off, Cessna has delivered more than 7,500 Citation aircraft. This long track record means the Citation M2 has a proven and reliable design that promises superior performance. In addition, as part of an established family of aircraft, the Citation M2 benefits from the sharing of technologies and parts, which reduces both costs and downtime for maintenance.
Softer landings and smoother taxiing: The Cessna Citation M2 business jet is known for its soft landings and smooth taxiing. This is due in part to the aircraft's robust trailing-link landing gear. The landing gear cushions the impact energy of the wheels on the runway and thus ensures a soft touchdown. It also ensures a smooth ride on the tarmac.
Disadvantages of a Cessna M2 as a rental aircraft:
Range limited: The limited range of the Citation M2 can be a disadvantage for business travellers. With its maximum flight radius of 2,871 kilometres, there are many popular destinations that cannot be reached by the M2 without a stopover. A greater range of up to 6,667 kilometres is offered by Gulfstream's popular G280 mid-size jet, for example.
Space constrained: The cabin of the Citation M2 is significantly smaller than other larger class business jets - such as mid-size, super-mid-size or heavy jets. This can be a disadvantage for passengers who need more space to work or relax. It is certainly no secret that light business jets offer less cabin volume than larger jets: the space limitation is therefore not a specific disadvantage of the Citation M2.
Alternative options for a Very Light Jet (VLJ) charter are the Embraer Phenom 100EV, the HondaJet or the Cirrus Vision. All of these aircraft offer sufficient performance and interior comfort, making them perfect for short flights between small airports. The Embraer Phenom 100EV is a very compact private jet that is suitable for both short-haul and slightly longer flights. It has high speed and is extremely manoeuvrable, making it a popular model. The HondaJet is Honda's first private jet and was first delivered in 2015. It is particularly characterised by its efficiency and consumes less fuel than comparable jets. It also has the highest top speed of the four alternatives. The Cirrus Vision is also a state-of-the-art aircraft characterised by its elegant design and upscale amenities. It is significantly cheaper to buy, but has a comparatively low baggage capacity and is much less common.
One of the main arguments in favour of a Cessna Citation M2 as a rental jet is its exceptional performance. With a cruising speed of up to 748 km/h and a range of 2,871 kilometres, the M2 can get demanding passengers to their destination quickly and efficiently. But it's not just sober numbers that make the M2 a great charter aircraft. The luxurious cabin and easy handling make it a perfect aircraft for anyone looking for a pleasant and uncomplicated flying experience. So if you're looking for a fast, efficient, luxurious but affordable jet to charter, the Cessna Citation M2 should be at the top of your list.
Aircraft data / Technical data
| Aircraft category | Light Jet |
| Manufacturer | Cessna (Textron Aviation Inc.) |
| Model | M2 (Model 525) |
| Number of units produced | 302 (until the end of 2021) |
| Production period | Since 2011 |
| Engine | 2 x Williams Intl. FJ44-1AP-21 |
| Price | US$4.5 million (list price at launch of original model) |
| Crew | 1 Pilot (Single-Pilot Certified) |
| Toilet | 1 x rear |
Performance
| Take-off route | 978 m |
| Landing distance | 790 m |
| Maximum speed | 748 km/h |
| Range | 2.871 km |
| Maximum flight altitude | 12.496 m |
Capacity
| Passenger capacity | 8 Seats |
| Maximum payload with full tank | 233 kg |
| Capacity of the most common rental variant | 5 Seats |
Cabin
| Cabin volume | 5,69 m³ |
| Cabin (length x width x height) | 3,35 m x 1,47 m x 1,45 m |
