The Extended Lineage of Citation Business Aircraft

The Citation brand of aircraft sets the standard when it comes to safe, reliable, and luxurious business travel. The brand was the brainchild of industry pioneer Clyde Cessna, who launched the Fanjet 500 in late 1968 as a model that combined military jet and single and twin-engine flight technology. The prototype took the name Citation 500 and made its first flight in September 1969 from the firm’s facility in Wichita, Kansas. The aircraft achieved FAA certification in 1971, and the following year, Cessna delivered its first commercial business aircraft.

The company went on to produce models such as the Citation II (Bravo), III, VI, and VII. Initially focused on piston-engine private aircraft, Cessna gradually emphasized business jets. This reflected improvements in avionics and power, and in 1986, it stopped production of piston-engine models entirely in favor of jet engines. However, revisions in United States liability legislation resulted in the firm resuming production in 1996 with models such as the Skyhawk, Skylane, and larger Stationair.

CitationJet models such as Ultra and Encore featured consistent improvements through Pratt and Whitney engines that boosted performance. Significant changes, such as a redesigned wing, T-tail, and carry-through section, marked the start of CJ series jets. Launched in the 1990s, the Citation X led to the Citation XLS and XLS+ models.

The Citation CJ4 and Cessna Citation XLS+ models have a similar range, speed, and cruising altitude. The XLS+ provides extra thrust output performance, while the CJ4 has a higher cruise speed, allowing faster flights and better fuel economy. Both models can achieve relatively high maximum altitude, which helps avoid turbulence and air traffic issues.