A Citation is a line of business jets made by Textron Aviation
Citation is the brand name for a family of twin-engine jets manufactured by Textron Aviation, a division of Textron Inc. The company has been building Citations since 1969, and they are among the most common business jets in operation worldwide. Citations range from small, entry-level models that carry four to six passengers to larger models that can carry up to 19 people and fly across continents.
The Citation line includes several distinct models, each designed for different mission types and budgets. The smallest models — like the Citation M2 — are used for short regional flights and cost less to operate than larger jets. The largest models — like the Citation X+ — are designed for long-distance travel and can cruise at speeds near the sound barrier. Between these extremes sit models like the Citation Excel and Citation Latitude, which balance range, passenger capacity, and operating costs.
Key Takeaways
- Citation jets are manufactured by Textron Aviation and come in multiple sizes, from small four-passenger models to large jets carrying up to 19 people.
- Different Citation models serve different purposes: smaller models are cheaper to operate for short trips, while larger models handle long-distance flights with more passengers.
- Citations are used by corporations, charter companies, wealthy individuals, and government agencies for business travel and special missions.
- Operating a Citation requires a may have access to pilot with a type rating specific to that aircraft model, plus regular maintenance and fuel costs.
How Citations are used in business and charter operations
Most Citations in service today are owned by corporations, charter flight companies, or wealthy individuals. A corporation might own or lease a Citation to transport executives to client meetings, trade shows, or company events without the delays and security lines of commercial airports. Charter companies buy Citations and rent them to customers by the flight hour, allowing people to use a jet without owning one outright.
Government agencies and medical organizations also operate Citations. Air ambulance services use Citations to transport patients who need rapid medical transport over long distances. The U.S. military and federal agencies operate Citations for personnel transport and training. Universities and research institutions sometimes own Citations for faculty travel and research missions.
The different Citation models and what sets them apart
Textron Aviation groups Citations into categories based on size and capability. The light jets — such as the M2 and CJ3+ — are the smallest and most affordable to operate. They typically carry four to six passengers, have a range of 1,500 to 2,000 nautical miles, and are ideal for trips under four hours. Light jets can use smaller airports that larger aircraft cannot access.
The midsize jets — including the Excel and Latitude — carry six to nine passengers and have ranges between 2,500 and 3,000 nautical miles. These aircraft are the workhorses of the Citation fleet because they balance capacity, range, and operating cost. A midsize Citation can fly from New York to Los Angeles with a fuel stop, or cross the Atlantic with careful planning.
The super-midsize and large cabin models — like the X and X+ — carry up to 12 passengers and have intercontinental range. The Citation X+ is one of the fastest business jets in the world, with a maximum cruise speed of Mach 0.935. These larger models cost significantly more to purchase and operate but offer the comfort and capability needed for long international missions.
Pilot requirements and crew for Citation aircraft
Operating any Citation requires a pilot who holds a commercial pilot license with a multi-engine rating and a type rating specific to the Citation model being flown. A type rating is a certification that proves the pilot has trained on that exact aircraft type and understands its systems, performance, and limitations. Different Citation models require different type ratings — a pilot rated on a Citation M2 must complete additional training to fly a Citation Excel.
Most Citations are flown by two pilots, though some smaller models can be operated by a single pilot under certain conditions. Many corporate and charter operations require two pilots for safety and regulatory reasons, even when the aircraft is certified for single-pilot operation. Larger Citations often carry flight attendants to serve passengers during flight.
Ownership and operating costs for Citations
The purchase price of a Citation varies widely depending on the model and whether it is new or used. A used light jet might cost $3 million to $8 million, while a new large-cabin Citation can exceed $20 million. Many operators choose to lease rather than buy, paying an hourly rate that covers the aircraft, crew, fuel, and maintenance.
Operating costs include fuel, crew salaries, maintenance, insurance, and hangar fees. Fuel costs depend on the model — a light jet burns roughly 200 to 300 gallons per hour, while a large jet burns 400 to 500 gallons per hour. Maintenance is performed according to manufacturer schedules and regulatory requirements, with major inspections occurring every few years. Charter operators typically charge customers $2,000 to $8,000 per flight hour, depending on the aircraft size and market conditions.
Maintenance and regulatory oversight of Citations
All Citations must be maintained according to Textron Aviation's maintenance manuals and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations. Aircraft undergo regular inspections at set intervals — typically every 100 flight hours for minor checks and every 500 to 1,000 hours for more detailed inspections. Major overhauls of engines and airframe components occur at longer intervals, sometimes 5,000 to 10,000 flight hours.
Citations are subject to the same FAA airworthiness standards as commercial airliners, though they operate under different rules. Most Citations operate under Part 91 of the FAA regulations, which governs general aviation. Charter operators follow Part 135 rules, which are more stringent and require additional safety procedures, crew training, and maintenance documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast can a Citation fly?
Speed depends on the model. Light jets like the M2 cruise at around 400 knots (460 mph). Midsize jets cruise at 450 to 500 knots. The Citation X+ is the fastest, with a maximum cruise speed of Mach 0.935, or about 488 knots (561 mph) at altitude. Actual flight times depend on winds, routing, and climb/descent.
How far can a Citation fly without refueling?
Range varies by model and weight. Light jets have ranges of 1,500 to 2,000 nautical miles. Midsize jets fly 2,500 to 3,000 nautical miles. Large-cabin models can exceed 4,000 nautical miles. These figures assume standard fuel loads and typical cruise conditions; actual range depends on winds, payload, and flight profile.
Can I rent a Citation by the hour?
Yes, through charter companies. You contact a charter broker or operator, specify your travel dates and number of passengers, and they quote you an hourly rate for the appropriate Citation model. Rates typically range from $2,000 to $8,000 per flight hour depending on aircraft size and market demand.
What is the difference between a Citation and a Gulfstream or Bombardier jet?
All three are business jet manufacturers, but they build different aircraft. Gulfstream and Bombardier also make large-cabin jets, while Textron's Citation line emphasizes smaller, more affordable models. Citations are generally less expensive to purchase and operate, making them popular for charter and smaller corporate operations.
Do Citations need a special airport to land?
No. Citations can land at any airport with a runway long enough for their requirements. Light jets need runways as short as 3,000 feet, while larger models need 5,000 to 6,000 feet. This means Citations can use regional and smaller airports that commercial airliners cannot, which is one reason corporations prefer them for business travel.