In a few weeks time, Salzburg, Austria-based Porsche Air Service will become the first European company to take delivery of the Cessna Citation XLS Gen2 business jet. The 560XL series aircraft will support the company's charter services missions throughout Europe as it continues its five decade history with Citations. The Porsche fleet includes a Cessna Citation XLS+ and now the new Citation XLS Gen2. This is the 22nd Citation aircraft flown by Porsche Air Service.

“The XLS Gen2 will provide our passengers with total comfort and a top notch flight experience,” says account manager and chief pilot Hubert Lindenthaler. “With the addition of the XLS Gen2 to our fleet, we will continue to deliver exceptional aircraft charter services throughout Europe.”

Textron Aviation has just earned EASA type certification for the aircraft.

“Achieving this milestone delivery with Porsche Air Service, a company that embodies innovative engineering and design, high-end craftsmanship, a legendary heritage and a reputation for high-performance product investments, demonstrates how perfectly aligned the features, quality and performance of the XLS Gen2 are with the priorities of our customers,” says senior vice president, global sales and flight operations Lannie O'Bannion. “This will pave the way for deliveries of the XLS Gen2 throughout Europe.”

Textron first unveiled plans for the aircraft in October 2021. Shaped by extensive customer feedback, the upgrades focus on technology and design.

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 natural 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 that 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 charging, USB charging ports at each cabin seat and optional Bongiovi Immersive speaker-less sound system.

The Citation XLS Gen2 provides operators with speeds of up to 817 km/h with a maximum range of 2,100 nm, a take off field length of 3,600 ft and climbs to 45,000 ft in 30 minutes. While maintaining key performance specifications, the XLS Gen2 also includes increased payload capabilities and meets Stage 5 maximum noise level requirements.