- 20 Oct 2021
- Tony Kioussis
- Market Insight
The Cessna Citation CJ2+ Light Jet was launched in 2006, essentially replacing the existing Citation CJ2 on the production line, and improving on that aircraft in a range of areas.
The Citation CJ2 had enjoyed considerable success, even in the teeth of a tough economic environment in the early 2000s. As the follow-on jet, the CJ2+ subsequently enjoyed a production run lasting about a decade, with the company announcing the end of production at the beginning of 2016.
Duncan Aviation
The Cessna Citation CJ2+ costs between $2.5m (for a 2005 model) and $4.4m (for a 2015 model), according to Aircraft Bluebook’s Autumn 2021 data. These values represent average prices. The price of specific models will vary, depending on various factors, including maintenance condition, for example.
The Cessna Citation CJ2+ has been compared with the Beechcraft Premier IA. Neither aircraft is in production today. Just like the CJ2+ was an upgrade on the CJ2, the Premier IA was an upgrade of the Premier I. Compared to the 1,550nm range, six-seater Citation CJ2+, the Premier IA can carry six or seven passengers, along with a pilot, but has a shorter range of around 1,340nm.
The Citation CJ2+ features a range of operational enhancements that made it stand out, and still generates interest today in the pre-owned market. These include an ability to directly climb to 45,000ft in 34 minutes at maximum take-off weight, according to Textron Aviation. Meanwhile, its integrated Collins ProLine 21 avionics was one of the most advanced to be available at the time of production for this class of jet.
As noted above, the Citation CJ2+ incorporated a number of the features of the Citation CJ3 into its ultimate design. However, the Citation CJ3 is a larger aircraft, pitched at a slightly different market, and is capable of carrying up to nine passengers.
Cessna Citation CJ2+ Jet Overview
By Gerrard Cowan - Editor, Aircraft Reviews
The Cessna CJ2+ shares its dimensions with the CJ2, but offers updated avionics, increased performance, and FADEC controls (allowing the FJ44-3A-24 engines to be computer-controlled, reducing pilot workload). FADEC led to improved payload, increased range (1,613nm max), and better climb performance, over the CJ2.
In total, Textron Aviation produced 226 Citation CJ2+ jets, according to JETNET data. It proved a hit within various parts of the market. For instance, in 2008 Singapore-based BJETS – a private aviation services provider – announced a deal for 20 Citation CJ2+ aircraft. Meanwhile, fractional operators like Canada’s AirSprint, Inc. also placed significant orders for the model.
What features does the Cessna Citation CJ2+ offer?
The Citation CJ2+ is powered by two Williams’ FJ44-3A-24 dual-channel FADEC engines, similar to the engines installed on the company’s Cessna Citation CJ3 model.
These new engines boosted efficiency, giving the Citation CJ2+ a range increase over the CJ2, increasing its reach to around 1,550nm carrying four passengers. The aircraft has an integrated Collins ProLine 21 avionics suite, providing many of the same features found on the Citation CJ3. At maximum capacity, it can seat up to six passengers.
What came before and after the Cessna Citation CJ2+?
The Citation CJ2+ was preceded by the Citation CJ2, which had carved out a significant following in the Light Jet market.
Meanwhile, the Citation CJ3 was developed just before the Citation CJ2+, and was a larger version of the company’s single-pilot jet series pitched at a slightly different buyer profile. The CJ3 had the capacity to hold up to nine passengers and was subsequently followed by the more advanced Citation CJ3+.
Read & Listen Now:
With over 25 years of trading, AvBuyer is the primary marketplace for private jets, offering the best new and pre-owned jets for sale.
