Textron Aviation has announced the next generation Cessna Citation M2 Gen2 and XLS Gen2 business jets. Unveiled at the NBAA conference, the updates target increased comfort and productivity for passengers and pilots.
“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 cockpit to cargo area and everywhere in between,” says Christi Tannahill, senior vice president, customer experience. “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.”
It is now taking orders for both new models with deliveries expected to begin by the end of first quarter 2022 for the M2 Gen2 and second quarter 2022 for the XLS Gen2. NBAA exhibition attendees have the opportunity to preview the new interior mockups during the event at Textron's static display at Henderson Executive Airport.
The latest updates to the M2 platform aim to strengthen the model's focus on pilot and passenger comfort as well as productivity. It brings an enhanced cabin experience that includes updated interior styling, ambient accent lighting, illuminated cupholders and additional in-flight accessible storage.
It also says productivity has been bolstered with the latest technology in the cabin such as wireless charging capabilities and USB-A ports at each cabin seat. In the cockpit, three inches of legroom has been added to the co-pilot position for enhanced comfort.
“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,” Tannahill adds. “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.”
The XLS Gen2 has an elevated ramp with the new lighted airstair door. An entry curtain has been added for inclement weather protection on the ground and improved cabin acoustics in flight. A new pedestal seat design aims to enhance passenger comfort with individual controls, new styling and optional quilting, while the forward couch features an optional fold down capability.
It also features an intuitive wireless cabin management system that includes a touchscreen moving map monitor, wireless charging, USB charging ports at each cabin seat and optional Bongiovi Immersive speakerless sound system.