Are the Cessna Citation Series the Best Light Business Jets?
Stratos Jet Charters has become an industry leader by providing options for any flight mission. Our reliable network of charter aircraft range in size from 5-seat turboprops to full 525-seat airliners. However, even in a broad network, certain manufacturers rise to the top as category leaders. Through perseverance and innovation, the remarkable Cessna Citation series now dominates the light business jet category.
Here’s a brief profile on the Citation jets in our roster.
History
Cessna produced the 5-seat Citation in 1971 in response to the demand for business jets capable of using smaller airports. The aircraft was immediately popular with corporate, government, and military clients, with over 680 units produced between 1971 and 1985. This strong foundation allowed Cessna to steadily design new variants with improved capacity and performance. Stratos Jet Charters now boasts access to 13 Citation variants through the world’s best carriers in our light business jet category, plus several more in our other size categories.
Here are some of the Citation jets we recommend by size:
Very Light Jets
This category features seating for four to eight passengers, maximum take-off weight (MTOW) under 10,000 pounds, and a 1,200 to 1,600-nautical mile range. It’s ideal for a small group that needs to make a quick business trip to a neighboring state.
Although the Very Light business jet category is essentially where the Cessna started, there are currently only two Cessna aircraft in the category: the Citation Mustang and the Citation M2.
- The Mustang was the very first production very light jet, entering service in 2006. This four-seat jet is a perennial business favorite, featuring fold-down work tables, power consoles, and ergonomically designed seats.
- The Citation M2 was introduced in 2013 as a replacement for the Mustang jet. Capable of carrying five passengers up to 1,500 nautical miles (nm), the M2 also features 46 cubic feet of cargo space and full-swivel seats for in-flight meetings.
Light Jets
This category is perfect for business groups and families that want to travel up to 2,500 nautical miles in bespoke luxury. Of the 23 light business jet types available to clients in the Stratos network, half are Citation products.
Here are the highlights:
- Citation Ultra, Bravo, and Encore. These three jets are all variations on the original Citation airframe, redesigned to carry seven passengers. Produced between 1994 and 2011, these aircraft are the backbone of the Light Jet category. The Bravo, introduced in 1997, surpassed the Ultra and Encore in cabin space, cargo room, and flight range.
- The CJ Line. In the early 1990s, Citation Jet was rebranded as the CJ Series. Variants built since 1991 include the CJ1, CJ2, CJ3, and CJ4. Each variant represented an improvement in range, performance, and capacity. For example, the CJ1 is capable of carrying five passengers comfortably for a 1,290 nautical mile trip. However, the improved CJ4 variant can fly sevent passengers a thousand miles further, and carry 77 cubic feet of luggage.
The Citation family has branched out into other jet categories, including the Super Light, Midsize and Super-Midsize categories. If you would like to compare jet details side-by-side, simply visit our Private Jets Comparison Guide, and click the “Compare +” beside the aircraft description.
Cessna’s devotion to safety, innovation, and consistency has put them at the forefront of the light business jet industry. The Stratos Jet Charter advantage is that we know our jets and we only work with the best air carriers in the industry. So even with the many Citation performance and capacity specs to choose from, we will gladly help you choose the best aircraft for your next charter flight.
To book your next luxury light business jet charter flight anywhere in the world, call Stratos Jets—888-593-9066.
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