LONDON – On May 24, Textron Aviation, the owner of Cessna and Beechcraft announced their first European customer for their new Cessna Citation M2 Gen2 aircraft.
A First For Europe…
During EBACE (European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition) in Geneva, Switzerland, Textron Aviation, which wholly owns and operates the light aircraft manufacturers Cessna and Beechcraft, announced their first-ever European customer for their new Cessna Citation M2 Gen2 light jet aircraft.
The new customer, Luxaviation Group, has been a huge partner with Textron Aviation for many years and has operated more than 50 aircraft from Textron Aviation over the years.
Commenting on the new order, Managing Director of Luxaviation France, Karol Gueremy has said, “The addition of this new Cessna Citation M2 Gen2 will provide access to a new client base out of our Paris base where we offer FBO, aircraft charter, and management.”
“The Citation M2 Gen2 will be able to cover a large part of Western Europe, with its ability to land in restricted destinations, like London City or Cannes.”
Luxaviation Group is expecting to take delivery of their new Citation M2 Gen2 aircraft soon, but first, the type needs to be certified by the governing aviation authority, EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency).
On top of the new M2 Gen2 order, Luxaviation Group will also take delivery of a new Citation CJ4 Gen2 to add to its vast European fleet of business jets.
The New Citation M2 Gen2
The Cessna Citation M2 Gen2 was first announced by Textron Aviation back in October 2021, alongside their announcement of their Citation XLS Gen2 aircraft as well.
The Citation M2 Gen2 is Cessna’s second iteration of their highly successful M2 light business jet since its introduction back in 2013. The new Gen2 variant features an enhanced cabin interior compared to the older M2 with ambient accent lighting, re-mastered illuminated cupholders, as well as additional in-flight accessible storage, which can carry an extra 50 pounds of luggage or cargo.
On top of this, customers will also now have wireless charging capabilities including USB-A ports at each cabin seat. For the co-pilot, an extra three inches of legroom has been added for extra comfort as well as significant improvements to the cabin entry threshold materials for increased durability.
In terms of specification, the cockpit of the new Citation M2 Gen2 is a fully integrated touch-screen GARMIN G3000 glass cockpit that has the capability of being operated by a single pilot. The aircraft is powered by two Williams FJ44 engines that enable the aircraft to fly up to a maximum speed of 404 knots (ktas) as well as a range of up to 1,550 nautical miles.
On the announcement of the new Citation M2 Gen2, Christi Tannahill, Textron Aviation’s Senior Vice President of Customer Experience said, “Since the Citation M2 was first introduced in 2013, it has quickly become one of our most popular light jet models – in particular with owner/operator customers.”
“Building on its already outstanding performance capabilities and flexibility, the M2 Gen2 brings the latest cabin amenities and technological advances often found in larger jets to the entry-level light jet segment. Passengers will appreciate USB-A ports at every cabin seat and the USB-C ports in the club area.”
