Light Jet
Cessna Citation CJ2
Range
1,330 NM
Cruise speed
407 kts
Seats
6
History
Cessna lengthened the original CitationJet (Model 525) by about 1.5 m to create the CJ2, and gave it more powerful engines. The CJ2+ arrived in 2006 with newer avionics and with several safety features fitted as standard. Its Williams FJ44-3A-24 engines climb it to around 7,600 m several minutes faster than the earlier model while using less fuel. In 2000 Cessna won the Flying Editors' Choice Award for the development of the CJ2.
Industry classifications place the CJ2 and CJ2+ among light business jets, a segment where they and the CitationJet have long been leaders. Their straightforward design keeps costs low while still delivering competitive performance and reliability. For trips of under three hours with up to six passengers, they are among the most economical jets to charter.
The CJ2 has several rivals among small light jets. The Hawker 400XP, made under the same parent company, Textron, has a little less range and baggage room but ranks among the quickest aircraft of its type. The Dassault Falcon 10 left production in 1989 and is still popular on the used and charter markets, as its range and speed remain competitive, although its cabin and cockpit are less well equipped.
Technical Specifications
General information
| Model name | Citation CJ2 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Cessna |
| Aircraft category | light jet |
| ICAO Designator | C25A |
| Start/End of Production | 2000 - 2006 |
| Number of pilot(s) | 1-2 |
Performances
| Range (with IFR reserves) | 1330 NM (2463 km) |
|---|---|
| Ferry range | 1530 NM (2834 km) |
| Cruise speed | 407 kts (754 km/h) |
| Max Operating Speed – VMO | 275 KIAS |
| Max Mach Operating Speed - MMO | Mach 0.72 |
| Long-Range Cruise Speed - LRC | 352 KTAS |
| Approach Speed | 106 kts |
| Takeoff Distance | 1024 m |
| Average Landing Distance | 886 m |
| Rate of Climb | 4120 ft/min |
| Service Ceiling | 45000 ft |
| Thrust | 2400 lbf |
Aircraft technology
| Engine type | Turbofan |
|---|---|
| Engine(s) | 2 x Williams FJ44-2C |
| Avionics | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 |
Dimensions and capacity
| Aircraft length | 14.5 m |
|---|---|
| Aircraft height | 4.2 m |
| Wing span | 15.2 m |
| Cabin height | 1.45 m (4.75 ft) |
| Cabin length | 4.17 m (13.67 ft) |
| Cabin width | 1.45 m (4.75 ft) |
| Baggage volume | 1.98 m3 |
| Seats (standard config) | 6 |
| Seats (max) | 7 |
| Suitcases | 6 |
| Carry-on luggage | 5 |
| Maximum payload | 669 kg |
| Maximum TakeOff Weight - MTOW | 5613 kg |
Advantages & Disadvantages
Advantages
- Economical to charter: The CJ2 and CJ2+ have been known from the start for low purchase and operating costs. The youngest aircraft available for charter have been flying for at least five years, which brings further savings.
- Tested design: The first jet in the series flew around 30 years ago. Cessna has refined it many times since without changing the core design, and the CJ family has now logged five million flight hours.
- One pilot is enough: Single-pilot certification covers the CJ2 and CJ2+ alike, helped by avionics that ease the workload in the cockpit. The second cockpit seat can often take an extra passenger.
- Easy to find: For several years it was the best-selling Citation, so plenty of aircraft are in service. They are not limited to North America, and many are based in Europe.
- A family with a future: Plenty of aircraft lines have disappeared as manufacturers cut back their ranges in difficult markets. The CJ series shows no sign of ending, and owners and pilots tend to stay with it for many years.
Disadvantages
- Small cabin, modest payload: The CJ2 is a light jet, so its load and cabin are modest. For more than six passengers, or for heavy or bulky luggage, a larger aircraft such as the CJ3 is a better fit.
- No new aircraft: There are no new CJ2 or CJ2+ jets, and even the youngest have several years of service behind them. If a brand new aircraft matters to you, the Citation M2 Gen2 and Citation CJ3+ are both in Cessna's current range.
FAQ
What did the CJ2+ improve?
The Plus is the updated model. It gained a newer version of the FJ44 engine, a revised cockpit with upgraded avionics and lower fuel burn, which together give it more range and a higher cruise speed. Pilots also value its full authority digital engine control (FADEC), which reduces their workload during takeoff and the initial climb.
Can a CJ2 or CJ2+ fly with just one pilot?
Yes. Both versions are certified for single-pilot operation, and a co-pilot can be added if preferred. When only one pilot flies, the right-hand cockpit seat can often be used by a passenger, which adds one more place on board. Some travellers enjoy the view from the flight deck as part of the trip.
Is the CJ2 worth choosing over a Citation CJ1?
The CJ2 has a longer cabin, a higher payload and more range than the CJ1. It usually seats six, while the CJ1 seats five or six depending on the layout. The CJ2 flies 1,330 nm (2,463 km) against 1,127 nm for the CJ1. Both are single-pilot aircraft, and the CJ2 is the better pick for bigger groups or longer European routes.
Should I choose a CJ2 or a Citation M2?
The CJ2, built from 2000 to 2006, has the longer cabin. The M2, launched in 2013, burns less fuel, has a newer interior and uses Garmin G3000 avionics, and on published figures it has more range, at 1,550 nm against 1,330 nm. The CJ2 suits groups who want more space, and the M2 is the choice for clients who put newer technology first.
How far can a CJ2 fly?
With IFR reserves, the CJ2 covers 1,330 nm (2,463 km), depending on payload and weather. That allows direct flights such as London to Stockholm, Geneva to Madrid or Paris to Athens. It is well suited to regional and continental trips across Europe, where a direct flight saves the most time.
Can the CJ2 fly into smaller or tricky airports?
The CJ2 performs well on short runways, so it can reach regional airfields where larger jets cannot operate. In 2003 it was among the first Citations to receive steep approach certification, which allows flights into airports such as London City. That lets passengers land closer to offices and holiday destinations that would otherwise be out of reach.
What does a CJ2 charter cost?
The cost of a CJ2 flight is set by the details of the trip: the route, the dates, where an available aircraft is positioned beforehand and the operator flying it. Our advisors price each trip individually, so the best first step is to tell us where and when you want to fly.
Gallery
Figures are published manufacturer data, shown for illustration only. Images are generated for this concept and show the Citation CJ2 type, not a specific aircraft. Cessna and Citation CJ2 are trademarks of their owner, used only to identify the aircraft.