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Textron Aviation has revealed its next-generation light and mid-size business jets with the Cessna Citation M2 Gen2 and Cessna Citation XLS Gen2.
The company stated that the newly updated aircraft contain the latest in aircraft design and technology and have been created off the back of extensive customer feedback.
For the Citation M2 Gen2, Textron said its newest upgrades focus on pilot and passenger comfort, as well as productivity.
The M2 Gen2’s updated cabin includes premium interior styling, ambient accent lighting, remastered illuminated cupholders and additional in-flight accessible storage, along with wireless charging capabilities and USB-A ports in each seat.
In the cockpit, copilots will gain an additional three inches of legroom, while the cabin-entry threshold materials have also been upgraded for improved durability and easier maintenance, Textron 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,” said Christi Tannahill, senior vice-president, customer experience.
“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.”
Meanwhile, the Citation XLS Gen2 boasts a new lifted airstair door, with natural lighting and updated styling inside.
An entry curtain has been added for “inclement weather protection on the ground and improved cabin acoustics inflight”, Textron added.
The cabin contains updated pedestal seats for passenger comfort, while the forward couch features an optional fold-down capability, allowing passengers to access baggage in-flight.
Like the new M2, the XLS Gen2 also offers improved technologies, such as intuitive wireless cabin management, a touchscreen moving map monitor, wireless charging, in-seat USB ports, and an optional Bongiovi immersive speaker-less sound system.
With over 1,000 Citation 560XLS delivered to customers in the last 25 years, Tannahill said the series is the “best-selling midsize business jet family of the 21st century”.
She added that the new “customer-influenced updates we’ve made will ensure the next generation retains that title”.
“Like its predecessors, the XLS Gen2 hits the sweet spot of offering the features, amenities and comfort of a midsize jet, but with lower operating costs.”
Textron is currently taking orders for both new models and expects deliveries to commence in the first quarter of 2022 for the Citation M2 Gen2, and second quarter 2022 for the XLS Gen 2.
“With the mindset that no detail is too small when shaping customer flight experiences, we’ve touched all areas of these aircraft to create the Citation M2 Gen2 and the Citation XLS Gen2 – from the cockpit to cargo area and everywhere in between,” Tannahill said.
“Shaped by extensive customer feedback, the upgrades to these aircraft embody the latest in technology and design. These new models represent a significant commitment from Textron Aviation as we continue to bring best-in-class performance and features to our customers.”
