Cessna Citation CJ2+

The Cessna Citation CJ2 and CJ2+ (Model 525A) are an upgrade of model 525 (CJ/CJ1/M2).

They vary most significantly from the Citation 525 series in respect to their markedly increased range and payload capacity.

The CJ2+ is an improved version of the CJ2, featuring upgraded engines that provide a slight increase of engine thrust, range, and speed.

Both the CJ2 and CJ2+ can be single-pilot operated.

As of October 2020, 71% of all Citation CJ2+ aircraft were purchased pre-owned by their current owners, the other 29% new. 7.6% are for sale with more than half of those (71%) under an exclusive broker agreement.

When for sale the average time on the market is 264 days.

The first delivery of the Cessna Citation CJ2+ occurred in 2005 and the series ended production in 2014. A total of 226 aircraft were produced with 3 now retired.

The CJ2+ is the follow-on aircraft of the CJ2, which started production in 2000 and ended in 2006.

One of the most significant changes to the CJ2+ was the upgrade to the FJ44-2A-24 engines, which produce 2,490 pounds of thrust apiece on takeoff.

The -2A-24 engines produce 190 pounds of thrust more than the Premier IA’s FJ44-2A engines, but are similar in most other areas.

Despite having extremely similar engines and identical maximum takeoff weights, the jets perform much differently on the runway: the CJ2+ requires 3,360 feet to take off at sea level, and 5,180 feet to take off from a runway at 5,000 feet.

The Premier IA requires an additional 432 feet under identical conditions at sea level, and an extra 1,708 feet for the runway at high altitude.

Once in the air, the CJ2+ can climb to 37,000 feet in 15 minutes, 2 minutes before the Premier IA could reach the same altitude.

The high speed and long-range cruise speeds of the CJ2+ are significantly lower than the cruise speeds of the Premier IA, but the effect evens out when actual trips are calculated.

Notably, its MMO (maximum Mach operating number) increased from .72 to .737, an increase of about 10 ktas.

For a 600 nautical mile trip with four passengers and required NBAA IFR reserves, the CJ2+ would reach its destination in 1 hour and 35 minutes, 2 minutes before the Premier IA would arrive.

The fuel used by the CJ2+ on such a trip, 1,459 pounds, is only a few pounds more than the Premier IA would use.

As expected, the required runway length for the CJ2+, 2,666 feet, is significantly shorter than the Premier IA’s required runway distance of 3,202 feet.

The CJ2+’s cabin is 69 cubic feet smaller than the Premier IA’s but is still large enough to seat eight passengers in its 246 cubic-foot cabin.

Baggage volume for the two jets is similar: the CJ2+ can hold 65 cubic feet in an external compartment, and the Premier IA has space for 77 cubic feet of baggage, split between two compartments.

Seats in the club section of the CJ2+ have folding tables, and every seat in the club section has a power outlet and access to a fax/data port.

Rockwell Collins industry-leading IFIS is an integral component of the CJ2/CJ2+ and provides a higher level of operational efficiency and convenience by introducing a path to a paperless flight deck.

At the heart of the system is the File Server Unit (FSU), which uses a high-bandwidth Ethernet link to interface with the Pro-Line 21MFDs.

IFIS advanced features greatly enhance situational awareness and flight crew decision-making, including electronic charting, graphical weather, and enhanced maps for your flight deck

The cost to charter this jet starts at around $3,000 an hour.

Hourly charter rates do not include all taxes, fuel, and other fees. Charter costs will vary based on year of make/model, schedule, routing, passenger & baggage totals, and other factors.