Textron Aviation’s Cessna Citation XLS GEN2 EASA certified
CJI Summary:
- Textron Aviation achieves EASA certification for Cessna Citation XLS Gen2,
- First European delivery to Porsche Air Service
- Over 1,000 Cessna Citation 560XL deliveries in 25 years
Textron Aviation today announced at the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE) in Geneva, Switzerland, that it has earned European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) type certification for the Cessna Citation XLS Gen2 business jet. The company is set to make its first European delivery of the XLS Gen2 to Porsche Air Service GmbH of Salzburg, Austria, in the coming weeks.
The Cessna Citation XLS Gen2, a 560XL series aircraft, is designed and manufactured by Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company.
“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,” said Lannie O’Bannion, senior vice president, Global Sales and Flight Operations for Textron Aviation. “This will pave the way for deliveries of the XLS Gen2 throughout Europe.”
The Cessna Citation XLS Gen2 will support Porsche Air Service for its charter services mission throughout Europe as the company continues its five-decade history with Citations. Its 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,” said Hubert Lindenthaler, CEO of Porsche Air Service GmbH. “With the addition of the XLS Gen2 to our fleet, we will continue to deliver exceptional aircraft charter services throughout Europe.”
With more than 1,000 Citation 560XLs delivered throughout the past 25 years, business owners, fractional owners and charter operators have consistently chosen the 560XL series more than any other aircraft in the light midsize category.
Textron Aviation first unveiled plans for the Citation XLS Gen2 during the October 2021 National Business Aviation Association – Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition, representing Textron Aviation’s continuing commitment to enhance and redesign aircraft around customer needs. Shaped by extensive customer feedback, the upgrades focus on technology and design.
About the Cessna Citation XLS Gen2
Among the Citation 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, 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 charging, USB charging ports at each cabin seat and optional Bongiovi Immersive speaker-less sound system.
The Citation XLS Gen2 equips operators with speeds of up to 441 knots (817 kilometers/ hour) with a maximum range of 2,100 nautical miles (3,889 kilometers), a takeoff field length of 3,600 feet (1,097 meters) and climbs to 45,000 feet (13,716 meters) in 30 minutes. While maintaining key performance specifications, the XLS Gen2 also includes increased payload capabilities and meets Stage 5 maximum noise level requirements.
