The FAA has awarded type certification to the model 525A Citation CJ2. The first three CJ2s will start customer demonstrations in the third quarter of 2000, with first deliveries scheduled for the end of the year.

"The Citation CJ2 development and certification programme has exceeded every expectation," stated ceo Gary Hay. "We have successfully executed our first accelerated certification and development programme, and learned a lot through the process."

The CJ2 offers latest technology avionics, higher cruise speeds, more cabin room and greater range than the original CitationJet.

According to Cessna, it retains simple systems for maintainability and reliability, excellent operating economics and balanced performance.