By Skies Magazine | October 11, 2021 Estimated reading time 9 minutes, 41 seconds.
At this year’s NBAA Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition, Textron Aviation unveiled the next generation Cessna Citation M2 Gen2 and Cessna Citation XLS Gen2 business jets. According to the OEM, the updates to the entry-level light jet and the midsize business jet “usher in the next generation of aircraft design and technology, increasing comfort and productivity for passengers and pilots.”
Textron said the inspiration for the two aircraft came from customer feedback.
The M2 Gen2 features an enhanced cabin with premium interior styling, ambient accent lighting, re-mastered illuminated cupholders, and additional in-flight accessible storage.
Productivity has also been bolstered with the latest technology in the cabin, such as wireless charging capabilities and USB-A ports at each cabin seat.
In the cockpit, three inches of legroom has been added to the co-pilot position for enhanced comfort. Additionally, cabin entry threshold materials have been improved for durability and maintainability, Textron said.
“Since the Citation M2 was first introduced in 2013, it has quickly become one of our most popular light jet models — in particular with owner/operator customers,” said Christi Tannahill, senior vice president, Customer Experience. “Building on its already outstanding performance capabilities and flexibility, the M2 Gen2 brings the latest cabin amenities and technological advances often found in larger jets to the entry-level light jet segment. Passengers will appreciate the USB-A ports at every cabin seat and the USB-C ports in the club area.”
In addition to the technology and design enhancements on the M2 Gen2, an extra 50 pounds of luggage or cargo can be accommodated as part of the new side-facing fold-down seat.
Citation XLS Gen2
The Citation XLS Gen2 features an “elevated ramp presence” with a new lighted airstair door. A new entry curtain has also been added for inclement weather protection on the ground and improved cabin acoustics in flight.
A new pedestal seat design enhances passenger comfort with individual controls, new styling, and optional quilting, while the forward couch features an optional fold-down capability — which allows passengers to access baggage in flight.
In addition to these new design elements, Textron’s XLS Gen2 also features an “intuitive wireless cabin management system” that includes a touchscreen moving map monitor, wireless charging, USB charging ports at each cabin seat, and optional Bongiovi Immersive speaker-less sound system.
“The 560XL series is the best-selling midsize business jet family of the 21st century, and the customer-influenced updates we’ve made will ensure the next generation retains that title,” Tannahill said. “Like its predecessors, the XLS Gen2 hits the sweet spot of offering the features, amenities and comfort of a midsize jet, but with lower operating costs.”
Throughout the past 25 years, more than 1,000 560XL aircraft have been delivered. The type is particularly popular with fractional owners and charter operators, thanks to its combination of performance, comfort, ease of operation, range of mission capabilities, and favorable operating efficiencies.
“With the mindset that no detail is too small when shaping customer flight experiences, we’ve touched all areas of these aircraft to create the Citation M2 Gen2 and the Citation XLS Gen2 – from cockpit to cargo area and everywhere in between,” said Tannahill.
The company is now taking orders for both new models, with deliveries expected to begin by the end of Q1 2022 for the Citation M2 Gen2, and Q2 2022 for the Citation XLS Gen2.
NBAA-BACE attendees will have the opportunity to preview the new Gen2 interior mockups at Textron Aviation’s static display at Henderson Executive Airport.
Booming Business
Textron also announced at this year’s NBAA convention that it is continuing to see a “strong market.”
According to the OEM, flight activity has not only rebounded, it’s “better than before.”
“Our installed base of nearly 14,000 turbine powered airplanes around the world, flying is up 15 to 20 percent over what it was compared to pre-pandemic levels,” the company said.
In the pre-owned market, it’s currently difficult to find a used airplane — whether Textron or other products. “Globally, only about four percent of all Citations ever built are listed for sale,” the OEM said. “And if you want one less than 10 years old, you’re looking at about one percent of the available market being out there for sale.”
The company emphasized that it is seeing “strong activity” across all segments — particularly in its piston products, its turboprop products, and its business jet products.
