The Cessna Citation II is a twin-engine business jet built to carry small groups over medium distances

The Cessna Citation II is a light twin-engine jet aircraft designed and manufactured by Cessna Aircraft Company. It first flew in 1977 and remained in production through the mid-1980s, making it one of the most common business jets you'll see at regional airports. The aircraft seats up to eight passengers (including two pilots) and cruises at around 400 miles per hour, which makes it suitable for trips within North America but not for transatlantic flights.

If you're researching business aviation or considering charter flights, understanding what the Citation II is — and what it isn't — helps you evaluate whether it fits your travel needs and budget. The aircraft represents a middle ground: more capable and faster than turboprops, but smaller and less expensive to operate than large cabin jets.

Key Takeaways

  • The Citation II is a light twin-engine jet that carries up to eight people and cruises at approximately 400 mph, making it practical for regional business travel.
  • Operating costs are lower than larger jets but higher than turboprops, and fuel consumption, crew expenses, and maintenance all factor into the total cost per flight hour.
  • The aircraft has a maximum range of around 1,900 nautical miles, which covers most trips within the continental United States but not intercontinental routes.
  • Hundreds of Citation II aircraft remain in active service today, both in charter fleets and private ownership, making them relatively common in the used business jet market.

Cabin size and passenger capacity

The Citation II cabin is narrow and modest by modern standards. The fuselage is roughly 43 feet long and 4.7 feet wide, which means passengers sit in a single-file arrangement rather than side-by-side seating. The aircraft typically carries six to eight people total, including the flight crew, so you're looking at four to six passenger seats depending on configuration.

The cabin is pressurized and heated, which means it can fly at altitudes up to 43,000 feet — high enough to get above most weather and commercial air traffic. However, the narrow cabin means luggage space is limited, and tall passengers may find the headroom tight. If you're accustomed to larger business jets or commercial first class, the Citation II will feel noticeably smaller.

Range and fuel consumption

The Citation II has a maximum range of approximately 1,900 nautical miles with full fuel and reserve. In practical terms, this means it can fly from New York to Miami, or from Los Angeles to Denver, but not from New York to London. The aircraft burns roughly 200 gallons of jet fuel per hour at cruise, which is moderate for a twin-engine jet but still a significant operating cost.

Range varies based on payload (how many people and how much cargo you're carrying), weather conditions, and flight plan. A fully loaded Citation II will have less range than one carrying only two or three passengers. If your travel needs regularly exceed 1,900 nautical miles, you would need to plan a fuel stop or consider a larger aircraft.

Operating costs and ownership considerations

The Citation II is less expensive to operate than larger business jets, but more expensive than turboprop aircraft. Typical operating costs (fuel, crew, maintenance, insurance, and hangar) run between $2,500 and $3,500 per flight hour, though this varies based on the specific aircraft's condition, maintenance history, and local fuel prices. For a four-hour flight, you might expect to pay $10,000 to $14,000 in direct operating costs alone.

If you own a Citation II, you also pay fixed costs regardless of how much you fly: hangar rent, insurance, annual inspections, and crew salaries if you employ full-time pilots. Many owners offset these costs by enrolling their aircraft in a charter program, where the plane generates revenue when the owner isn't using it. This arrangement requires finding a management company and accepting that your aircraft will be in use by other parties on certain dates.

Performance and speed compared to other aircraft

The Citation II cruises at roughly 400 knots (460 mph), which is faster than turboprop aircraft (which typically cruise around 250 knots) but slower than larger jets like the Citation X or Gulfstream G450. The aircraft can reach its cruising altitude in about 20 minutes, which is useful for short regional trips where you want to minimize time on the ground.

The trade-off is that the Citation II requires a longer runway than turboprops — typically 4,000 to 5,000 feet for takeoff and landing — but shorter than large cabin jets. This makes it suitable for regional airports but not for very small grass strips or unprepared surfaces. If runway length is a constraint for your travel, you should verify that the Citation II can operate from your intended destinations.

The used market and aircraft availability

Hundreds of Citation II aircraft are still flying today, which means they appear regularly in the used aircraft market. Prices for well-maintained examples typically range from $1 million to $3 million, depending on total flight hours, maintenance records, and avionics upgrades. Aircraft with newer glass cockpits (digital flight displays) command higher prices than those with older steam gauges (analog instruments).

When evaluating a used Citation II, the aircraft's maintenance history is critical. Jet engines are expensive to overhaul, and a major engine overhaul can cost $300,000 to $500,000 per engine. Before purchasing, you should have the aircraft inspected by an independent aviation mechanic and review the complete maintenance logs. The age of the aircraft matters less than how it was maintained and how many hours the engines have accumulated.

Charter and fractional ownership options

If you don't want to own a Citation II outright, you can rent one through a charter company. Charter rates for a Citation II typically range from $3,000 to $5,000 per flight hour, which includes crew, fuel, and insurance. You pay only for the hours you fly, with no fixed ownership costs.

Fractional ownership is a middle ground: you buy a share of an aircraft (typically one-quarter to one-half) and pay a monthly management fee plus hourly operating costs when you use it. Fractional programs like NetJets and VistaJet offer this model, though they typically use newer aircraft. Older Citation IIs are less common in fractional programs but may be available through smaller operators.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many people can a Citation II carry?

The Citation II seats up to eight people total, including two pilots. This means four to six passenger seats depending on how the cabin is configured. Some owners remove seats to add extra luggage space or install a bed for longer flights.

Can a Citation II fly across the country?

Yes, but it requires a fuel stop. The aircraft has a range of about 1,900 nautical miles, so a coast-to-coast flight would need a refueling break. A New York to Los Angeles trip would typically include a stop in the middle of the country.

How much does it cost to charter a Citation II?

Charter rates typically run $3,000 to $5,000 per flight hour. For a four-hour flight, expect to pay $12,000 to $20,000 plus any landing fees or overnight crew expenses. Prices vary by location and how far in advance you book.

Is the Citation II still being manufactured?

No. Cessna stopped producing the Citation II in the mid-1980s. The company now makes newer models like the Citation CJ and Citation X. All Citation IIs in service today are used aircraft, typically 40 to 50 years old.

What's the difference between a Citation II and a Citation I?

The Citation II has more powerful engines, a longer range, and a slightly larger cabin than the earlier Citation I. The Citation II also has better performance at high altitudes and can carry more payload. If you're comparing used aircraft, the Citation II is generally considered the more capable aircraft.