George Galanopoulos, md of London Executive Aviation, which currently operates two Citation IIs and one Citation Bravo, says they have performed well for LEA. "They are obviously relatively old aircraft now but are very good for their age. They offer us very usable performance at a competitive capital cost. There are some limitations in the design, such as the range, which could be better. However, from our standpoint the aircraft continue to perform well for a wide range of charter customers, so we don't see the need to invest in upgrades - the cost would be disproportionately high."PI

Galanopoulos adds: "Operationally, they perform well. The reliability is good and when there is a maintenance issue it tends to be dealt with quickly, which is one of the advantages of a long-established type. A criticism would be that the supply of parts could sometimes be quicker, but we've communicated that to Cessna and understand it is being looked at."

LEA's maintenance is handled by Jetcare at Southend Airport, which took over the executive aircraft maintenance business from Flightline Engineering. "Their team of two licensed C550 engineers have good experience on the type and offer us excellent service," says Galanopoulos. "Day-to-day line defects are taken care of by our own engineers."

Galanopoulos says the Citation II and Bravo are great workhorses for the charter industry and will be in service for a long time to come. "The best aspect of the C550 is the low acquisition cost. It offers good value for money."

Operators would like more speed. Torben Andersen says the C550-457 could do with more powerful engines. Ian Simpson of Phoenix Air Ltd. says the Citation II still has a niche, despite newer, faster aircraft competing in the same market.

But generally, as Jan Vana of ABS Jets says, the aircraft are regarded as good, reliable workhorses. He is satisfied with the dispatch reliability and operating capability of the Bravo and very satisfied with the value. These sentiments are echoed by Bruno Sorensen of North Flying A/S and Christian Johansson of Quick Net Air AB in their responses on the Citation II. Johansson says: "The best aspect is the low cost/high value and the worst the high altitude climb performance and lack of speed.

The most desirable upgrade is the so-called 'Branson-kit' for higher max ramp/maximum take off weight." He adds: "It is a very nice airplane to operate, simplified, low cost, reliable and valuable."

Andersen is very satisfied with the C550-457's maintenance support, dispatch reliability and value but, though satisfied with the operating capability, points out the aircraft has "no power at altitude."

Simpson says that he is satisfied with the Citation II maintenance although it "seems to spend more down time than we would like" and "engine maintenance bills are creeping up steadily,"

Like other operators he feels the best aspects include seating capability and range while the worst aspects are lack of speed and older avionics and noise in the cabin. "The most desirable upgrade is a glass cockpit," he says.