Cessna Citation M2
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.
Light Jet
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Cessna |
| Category | Light Jet |
| Range* | 2191 km 1183 NM |
| Cruise speed | 743 km/h 401 kts |
| Seats** | 4 |
| Suitcases | 4 |
* with IFR reserves
** in standard configuration
Aircraft Pictures
History
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 ageing 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.
Technical Specifications
Performance
Capacity
Cabin
Advantages & Disadvantages
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.
FAQ
How far can a Cessna M2 fly?
A Cessna Citation M2 can fly a maximum distance of 2,871 kilometres. This makes direct flights between most regions in Europe possible - for example from London to Kiev or from Helsinki to Naples.
How does the Cessna Citation M2 differ from the Embraer Phenom 100EV?
Both jets are light business jets, certified for single-pilot operation and have a top speed of 748 km/h. With a base price of only US$4.25 million, the Phenom 100EV costs about US$900,000 less than the Cessna M2. In return, the Cessna Citation M2 has a longer range and lower fuel consumption. Both the Cessna Citation M2 and the Embraer Phenom 100E are great light business aircraft. They are comparable aircraft in many aspects, with some subtle differences. In the end, it is also a matter of personal preference regarding which aircraft you ultimately want to charter.
How many Cessna Citation M2 aircraft have been sold so far?
By the end of 2021, 302 Citation M2s had been sold, according to data published annually by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA). On the occasion of the handover of the 250th Citation M2, the American manufacturer issued a press release in June 2020. According to the statement, the eight-seater was handed over on 15 June to a Seattle-based company that will use the M2 for "frequent flights throughout the US West Coast", according to Cessna. The operator is also considering a round-the-world flight with the light jet, it adds.
How much does a Cessna M2 cost?
Cessna parent company Textron introduced the M2 in 2013 and announced its successor, the M2 Gen2, at the leading industry trade show NBAA Business Aviation & Convention Exhibition 2021. The Cessna Citation M2 was originally priced at US$4.5 million. The latest Gen2 model costs US$5.85 million. The first delivery of a Citation M2 Gen2 took place at the end of the first quarter of 2022.
Where are the Cessna Citation M2 business jets built?
Cessna began production of the Citation M2 in August 2013 at its manufacturing facility in Independence, Kansas. Deliveries of the first examples began in December 2013. The M2 is part of the US aircraft manufacturer's popular Citation family.
Can the Citation M2 operate from smaller airports?
Yes. Thanks to its light-jet design and short-field performance, the Citation M2 can use runways of just over 975 m (3,200 ft) at sea level. This permits charters into regional airports such as Cannes Mandelieu or Sion, which bring passengers closer to resorts and business districts. In addition, the aircraft is certified for steep-approach operations by both the FAA and EASA, allowing it to handle descent angles steeper than standard requirements when needed.
How does the Citation M2 compare to the Citation CJ1?
The Citation M2 replaced the Citation CJ1 as the entry-level jet in the Citation line. It is faster, with a cruise speed of around 748 km/h (404 kts) compared to the CJ1’s 698 km/h (377 kts). Range is also longer, at roughly 2,871 km (1,550 nm) versus 2,087 km (1,127 nm). The M2’s Garmin G3000 avionics and updated interior make it more modern and efficient.
Is the Citation M2 the most recent model in its segment for Cessna?
Yes. The Citation M2, introduced in 2013 and refreshed as the M2 Gen2 in 2022, is the most recent entry-level light jet in Cessna’s lineup. It replaced both the Citation Mustang and the CJ1/CJ1+, which were discontinued. As a result, the M2 remains the active production model in its category and is widely available for charter.
How does the Citation M2 compare to the Citation Mustang?
The Citation M2 took over as Cessna’s entry-level jet after the Mustang was discontinued, although it was formally designed as the successor to the Citation CJ1+. The Mustang seats four passengers and flies about 2,161 km (1,167 nm), while the M2 seats 6 passengers (standard configuration) and extends range to roughly 2,871 km (1,550 nm). Cruise speed also improves, from 630 km/h (340 kts) on the Mustang to 748 km/h (404 kts) on the M2.
What is the range of the Citation M2?
The Citation M2 has a range of about 2,871 km (1,550 nm), depending on conditions such as payload and weather. This permits nonstop flights such as London to Athens or Geneva to Lisbon without refuelling.
