Light Jet
Cessna Citation M2
Range
1,183 NM
Cruise speed
401 kts
Seats
4
History
The Citation M2 descends from the Model 525 CitationJet (CJ1+), a line that began in 1989. Cessna introduced the M2 in September 2011, and its maiden flight followed on 9 March 2012. Production started at Independence, Kansas, in August 2013, with first deliveries that December. With Mustang production ending in May 2017, the M2 became the entry point to the Citation range.
Against the CJ1+, it gained a redesigned cabin and modernised Williams FJ44-1AP-21 engines, worth as much as 41 km/h in speed. On the flight deck, Garmin's G3000 system replaced the older Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21. The M2 also out-climbs Embraer's Phenom 100E, reaching 41,000 ft in 24 minutes, 27 per cent quicker than its rival.
Textron Aviation delivered the first M2 Gen2 in April 2022, straight after FAA type certification and under six months after Textron first showed the update at the NBAA show. The Gen2 brought upgraded cabin technology and a completely redesigned interior, which has kept the M2 among the most popular light jets available.
Technical Specifications
General information
| Model name | Citation M2 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Cessna |
| Aircraft category | light jet |
| ICAO Designator | C525 |
| Start/End of Production | 2013 - Still in production |
| Number of pilot(s) | 1-2 |
Performances
| Range (with IFR reserves) | 1183 NM (2191 km) |
|---|---|
| Ferry range | 1550 NM (2871 km) |
| Cruise speed | 401 kts (743 km/h) |
| Max Operating Speed – VMO | 263 KIAS |
| Max Mach Operating Speed - MMO | Mach 0.71 |
| Long-Range Cruise Speed - LRC | 323 KTAS |
| Approach Speed | 106 kts |
| Takeoff Distance | 978 m |
| Average Landing Distance | 713 m |
| Rate of Climb | 3698 ft/min |
| Service Ceiling | 41000 ft |
| Thrust | 1965 lbf |
Aircraft technology
| Engine type | Turbofan |
|---|---|
| Engine(s) | 2 x Williams International FJ44-1AP-21 |
| Avionics | Garmin G3000 |
Dimensions and capacity
| Aircraft length | 13 m |
|---|---|
| Aircraft height | 4.2 m |
| Wing span | 14.4 m |
| Cabin height | 1.42 m (4.67 ft) |
| Cabin length | 3.35 m (11.0 ft) |
| Cabin width | 1.46 m (4.8 ft) |
| Baggage volume | 1.22 m3 |
| Seats (standard config) | 4 |
| Seats (max) | 8 |
| Suitcases | 4 |
| Carry-on luggage | 5 |
| Maximum payload | 685 kg |
| Maximum TakeOff Weight - MTOW | 4899 kg |
| Maximum Landing Weight - MLW | 4491 kg |
| Fuel capacity | 1862 L |
Advantages & Disadvantages
Advantages
- Quick and capable: Its Williams International engines let the M2 outpace and outrange many light aircraft of similar size. The compact size makes it easy to handle in tight spaces and suits short-haul and intra-European trips, whether the airport is small or large.
- One pilot is enough: The M2 is certified for single-pilot operation, which makes it a common choice for shorter charters, and the saving on a second pilot often shows in the price. The Garmin G3000 flight deck makes it straightforward and comfortable to fly without a co-pilot.
- Face-to-face seating: Passengers sit in a club arrangement, facing one another, so conversation is easy on business trips and family travel alike. The layout feels more private for confidential discussions and makes the cabin seem more open than its size suggests.
- Citation pedigree: The M2 is a Citation, and with over 7,500 delivered across five decades the Citation family forms the world's biggest business jet fleet. The design is well proven, and shared technology and parts across the family keep maintenance costs and downtime down.
- Smooth on the ground: The M2 has a reputation for gentle landings and smooth taxiing. Its trailing-link landing gear absorbs much of the force as the wheels meet the runway, which softens each touchdown and evens out the ride on the taxiway.
Disadvantages
- Shorter range: With 1,183 nautical miles (2,191 km) of range, the M2 cannot reach many popular destinations without a stop. For longer trips a midsize jet is the better fit: the Gulfstream G280, for example, covers up to 6,667 km.
- Smaller cabin: The cabin is far smaller than those of midsize, super midsize or large jets, which may matter if you need space to work or stretch out. That applies to every light jet, though, rather than being a weakness of the M2 in particular.
FAQ
What range does the Citation M2 have?
With IFR reserves it is rated for 1,183 nautical miles (2,191 km), and its ferry range is 1,550 nautical miles. That covers many routes within Europe in a single leg, Geneva to Lisbon being one example. Payload and weather affect the figure on the day, so it is confirmed for each route at the quotation stage.
Citation M2 or Embraer Phenom 100EV: what is the difference?
Each is a single-pilot light jet, and their top speeds are close. The M2 goes further and burns less fuel. Beyond that the differences are small, and the two are comparable in most respects, so the choice often comes down to which cabin and seating layout you prefer.
What does it cost to charter a Citation M2?
The price depends on the details of your trip: the route, the travel dates, where the aircraft has to position from and which operator flies it. Hesper Jets does not quote from a fixed rate card. An advisor prices each request individually and confirms the full figure before you book.
Is the Citation M2 able to use small airports?
Yes. As a light jet with good short-field performance, the M2 needs little more than 975 m of runway at sea level. That opens up regional airports such as Sion or Cannes Mandelieu, which put you nearer resorts and city business districts. It is also certified by the FAA and EASA for steep approaches.
M2 or CJ1: what changed?
The M2 took over from the CJ1 as the entry-level Citation. It cruises faster, at 401 knots (743 km/h) against 377 knots for the CJ1, and its range is slightly longer, at 1,183 nautical miles against about 1,127. The Garmin G3000 avionics and newer interior also make it the more modern aircraft.
Is the M2 Cessna's newest entry-level jet?
Yes. In service since 2013 and refreshed with the Gen2 in 2022, it is the latest entry-level light jet in Cessna's range. Both earlier entry models, the CJ1/CJ1+ and the Mustang, have been discontinued, and the M2 took their place. Because it is still in production, the M2 is easy to find on the charter market.
What does the M2 offer over the Citation Mustang?
Officially the M2 succeeded the CJ1+, but it also filled the Mustang's place at the bottom of the range once that aircraft was discontinued. Both seat four in a standard layout, but the M2 can take up to eight against five in the Mustang. Range is similar, 1,183 nautical miles against 1,167, while cruise speed rises from 339 knots to 401.
Gallery
Figures are published manufacturer data, shown for illustration only. Images are generated for this concept and show the Citation M2 type, not a specific aircraft. Cessna and Citation M2 are trademarks of their owner, used only to identify the aircraft.