The Cessna Citation XLS Gen2 midsize business jet has entered service following its FAA type certification. Textron Aviation delivered the first customer aircraft this week to a long-time Citation operator in Midwest USA.
“Loyal Citation customers inspire us to continually invest in bringing the latest design and technology to our product line,” said Lannie O’Bannion, senior vice president, sales and flight ops. “This fresh approach to our popular 560XL series includes comfort and productivity upgrades requested by our customers, yet retains the model’s combination of performance and efficiencies that offers midsize jet features at a smaller jet operating cost.”
The Cessna Citation XLS Gen2 is the latest model of the Citation 560XL midsize business jet series, which began with the introduction of the Citation Excel in 1998. More than 1,000 560XLs have been delivered over the past 25 years.
Textron Aviation first unveiled plans for the Citation XLS Gen2 at NBAA-BACE in October 2021. Shaped by extensive customer feedback, the upgrades focus on technology and design.
Among the XLS Gen2 updates are a new illuminated airstair door, a new entry curtain for inclement weather protection on the ground and improved cabin acoustics in flight, improved accent lighting and elegant styling and materials throughout the interior. A new pedestal seat design is intended to enhance passenger comfort with individual controls, new styling and optional quilting, while the forward couch features an optional fold-down capability, allowing passengers to access more baggage in flight.
In addition, the XLS Gen2 also features a wireless CMS with a touchscreen moving map monitor, wireless smartphone charging, USB charging ports at each cabin seat, and optional Bongiovi Immersive speakerless sound system.
The XLS Gen2 has a maximum range of 2,100 nautical miles (3,889km), a take-off field length of 3,600ft (1,097m) and climbs to 45,000ft (13,716m) in 30 minutes. While maintaining range and takeoff field length, the XLS Gen2 also includes increased payload capabilities and Stage 5 maximum noise level requirements.
