Cessna

Cessna (Textron Aviation) is the creator of the Citation, the most widely produced family of business jets in the world, with over 8,000 aircraft produced. The lineup is structured in a ladder-like fashion: the very light M2 Gen 2, the light CJ3/CJ4 Gen 2, the mid-size XLS Gen 2, Ascend and Latitude, and the super-midsize Longitude. The brand's philosophy is predictable economics, simple piloting, and the most extensive service network in the industry.

The Citation has the largest fleet size, making it easier to support than any competitor: there are over 40 authorized Textron centers, and standard spare parts are stocked in warehouses in Europe and the Middle East. Williams FJ44 and P&W 500 series engines operate for 3,500–5,000 hours between overhauls. Fleet availability for the CJ series is consistently higher than that of the %.

Light CJs are among the most liquid jets: a ten-year-old CJ3+ sells for $81,000–$8,000,000, compared to a new CJ3 Gen2 for around $81,000–$11,500,000, representing a loss of significantly less than half its value. The average display period is 60–90 days. Aircraft with TAP-compliant engines and current Garmin G3000 avionics sell the fastest; jets with empty engines sell for $81,000–$1,500,000.

The eternal rivalry in the light class: Citation CJ4 Gen 2 versus Phenom 300E. The Phenom is faster (Mach 0.80 versus Mach 0.77) and has a more refined cabin, while the CJ4 gets more fuel and performs more confidently on short runways. The Citation fleet is significantly larger, which improves liquidity and spare parts availability. Ownership costs for the models are comparable: $ ~2.5–3 million per year with 400 flight hours.

The Cessna is an American brand from Wichita, Kansas, founded in 1927 and part of Textron Aviation. The Citation family of business jets is the most widely produced in history, with over 8,000 aircraft produced. In total, over 190,000 aircraft of all types have been built under the Cessna brand.

The Cessna boasts the industry's largest service network: over 40 authorized Textron centers plus parts warehouses in Europe and the Middle East. Williams and Pratt & Whitney engines are serviced under global programs, and the vast Citation fleet guarantees parts availability.

Textron's factory warranty typically lasts 5 years or 5,000 flight hours for the airframe and systems. Engines are covered by TAP (Williams) or ESP (Pratt & Whitney) programs, and Garmin avionics are covered by separate packages. Extended service contracts are available.

Light Citations (M2, CJ-series) are delivered in 12-18 months, while mid-size and super-mid-size (Latitude, Longitude, Ascend) aircraft are delivered in about 18 months. Faster delivery is possible from a dealer's existing inventory or from the extensive Citation secondary market.

The very light M2 Gen 2 — $5.9 million, the light CJ3/CJ4 — $10–12 million, the medium XLS+/Latitude — $15–20 million, the super-medium Longitude — $30 million. On the secondary market, light CJs are offered from $3.5 million. The Citation is one of the most liquid assets in the industry.

The lineup is structured in a ladder: M2 (very light), CJ3/CJ4 (light), XLS+/Ascend/Latitude (medium), Longitude (super-medium). For short hauls, choose the CJ, while for 4-6 hour flights with standing room, choose the Latitude/Longitude. The choice is based on the route length and the number of passengers.