Textron Aviation has achieved FAA type certification for the Cessna Citation XLS Gen2 business jet and delivered the first customer aircraft to a long-standing Citation operator in the US Midwest.

The XLS Gen2 is the latest model of the Citation 560XL midsize business jet series, which began with the introduction of the Excel in 1998. More than 1,000 560XLs have been delivered throughout the past 25 years.

Textron Aviation first unveiled plans for the Citation XLS Gen2 during the October 2021 NBAA convention, so making a significant commitment to enhance and redesign aircraft around customer needs. Shaped by extensive customer feedback, the upgrades focus on technology and design.

“Loyal Citation customers inspire us to continually invest in bringing the latest design and technology to our product line,” says 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.”

Among the XLS Gen2 updates are a new lighted airstair door to elevate the aircraft's ramp presence, the addition of an entry curtain for inclement weather protection on the ground and improved cabin acoustics in flight, and improved accent lighting and elegant styling and materials throughout the interior. A new pedestal seat design enhances passenger comfort with individual controls, new styling and optional quilting, while the forward couch features an optional fold-down capability, which allows passengers to access more baggage in flight.

In addition to these modern design elements, the XLS Gen2 also features a state-of-the-art intuitive wireless cabin management system with a touchscreen moving map monitor, wireless smart phone charging, USB charging ports at each cabin seat and optional Bongiovi Immersive speaker-less sound system.

The XLS Gen2 equips operators with speeds of up to 441 knots (817 kilometres/ hour) with a maximum range of 2,100 nautical miles (3,889 kilometres), a takeoff field length of 3,600 feet (1,097 metres) and climbs to 45,000 feet (13,716 metres) 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.