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Citation II Light Jet Specifications and Charter Rates

The Citation II is a versatile light jet designed for those who value time, convenience, and comfort in private travel. With seating for up to eight passengers, it delivers a blend of efficiency and luxury ideal for business trips, weekend escapes, or quick city-to-city hops. Since its introduction, the Citation II has become a favorite among discerning flyers looking for reliability and surprisingly generous cabin space in the light jet class.


Whether you’re flying solo or with a small group, the Citation II offers an elevated charter experience at a competitive price point. This page provides full details on specifications, range, cabin amenities, and everything you need to know to decide if the Citation II is the right jet for your next journey.

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Citation II Overview

As a light jet, the Citation II perfectly balances performance, comfort, and economy for short- to mid-range flights. Configured to seat up to eight in a refined cabin, it provides ample room to relax or work during flights of two to three hours. Two Pratt & Whitney JT15D turbofans power the Citation II to a service ceiling of 43,000 feet, ensuring a smooth, fast ride above commercial air traffic and weather.


What distinguishes the Citation II is its straightforward reliability and operating efficiency, making it a mainstay of private charter fleets worldwide. Its fuel economy and low direct operating costs mean more flexibility for last-minute trips and more destinations within reach.


Operators value the Citation II for its dependable dispatch rates and proven design, while passengers appreciate its quiet cabin and practical amenities. For those seeking premium light jet travel, the Citation II delivers both value and an impressive overall experience.

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Citation II Specifications

The figures below summarize the performance and dimensions that matter most when you are matching an aircraft to a trip. They reflect typical configurations; exact numbers vary with weight, weather, and how a given aircraft is equipped.

Aircraft class:

Light Jet

Passenger capacity:

Up to 7 (typical), 8 maximum

Crew:

2 pilots

Range:

Approximately 1969 nautical miles (around 2265 statute miles)

High-speed cruise:

402 knots (about 430 mph)

Long-range cruise:

Approximately 370 knots

Service ceiling:

43000 fee

Engines:

Two Pratt & Whitney JT15D-4 turbofans

Thrust:

Roughly 2500 lbf per engine

Takeoff distance:

About 3450 feet

Landing distance:

About 2078 feet

Average fuel burn:

Around 177 gallons per hour

Baggage capacity:

Approximately 40 cubic feet

First delivered:

1977

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The figures below summarize the performance and dimensions that matter most when you are matching an aircraft to a trip. They reflect typical configurations; exact numbers vary with weight, weather, and how a given aircraft is equipped.

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Citation II Range and Performance

With a range of approximately 1,969 nautical miles, the Citation II easily connects regional city pairs and popular business destinations on a single tank. You can fly nonstop between cities like New York and Miami, Chicago and Dallas, or London and Rome in comfort and with time to spare. | For longer trips, a brief fuel stop extends the jet’s capabilities while maintaining efficiency. The Citation II’s 402-knot high-speed cruise and 43,000-foot ceiling allow for swift, smooth flights above weather and air traffic, ensuring prompt arrivals at both major airports and smaller executive terminals. | The aircraft’s relatively short takeoff and landing distances—just 3,450 feet for takeoff and 2,078 feet for landing—allow access to a wide variety of airports, including many that are not served by commercial flights. This flexibility brings you closer to your final destination, saving valuable time. | For private travelers, the Citation II’s overall performance means less waiting, more productivity, and a seamless journey from door to door.

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Citation II Cabin Experience and Interior

The Citation II’s cabin is designed to maximize comfort and usability for its class. With an interior height of 4 feet 8 inches and width of 4 feet 9 inches, passengers enjoy a spacious setting for working or relaxing on flights up to three hours. | A typical layout features seating for seven to eight passengers in a club arrangement with an additional side-facing seat, complemented by generous windows and soft LED lighting. The cabin’s climate control ensures a pleasant environment regardless of the weather outside. | Amenities include executive-style seating, folding tables, and a private aft lavatory for convenience. Many Citation IIs have been upgraded with modern entertainment systems, Wi-Fi, and USB power, though features may vary by aircraft. | With 40 cubic feet of baggage space, you’ll have plenty of room for golf clubs, skis, or business essentials. Whether you’re traveling for work or leisure, the Citation II’s thoughtful design transforms short flights into a truly satisfying experience.

Citation II Charter Cost and Hourly Rates

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Chartering a Citation II typically runs in the range of $2800 to $3500 per flight hour, though the figure you are quoted depends on several factors. Rates move with the route, the season, repositioning (or ferry) time, airport fees, crew costs, and how a specific aircraft is equipped. Peak travel periods and one-way trips that leave an aircraft far from its base tend to sit at the higher end, while round trips and flights that align with an operator's existing schedule can come in lower.

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It also helps to understand how charter pricing is structured. Most quotes are built around occupied flight hours plus those repositioning costs, landing and handling fees, taxes, and crew expenses. Because Jettly is a charter marketplace rather than an aircraft operator, you can compare live quotes from multiple FAA Part 135 and book the option that fits your route and budget.

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Empty-leg flights, the discounted repositioning trips that operators are keen to fill, can also bring the cost of a Citation II down significantly when the timing works in your favor. For an exact, current price on your specific trip, request a quote, and you will see real availability rather than an estimate.

Who Should Charter the Citation II?

The Citation II fits a wide set of missions, which is part of why it stays busy. It is a strong match for:

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Small executive teams traveling together to a meeting, site visit, or conference

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Regional and many transcontinental business trips that need to be completed in a single day

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Families or groups of up to eight heading to a vacation or event

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Travelers carrying bulkier baggage, such as golf clubs or ski gear

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Anyone who values flexible airport access and a stand-up cabin over the lowest possible price

The Citation II is not intended for intercontinental or transoceanic flights, where a midsize or super midsize jet would be necessary, nor is it ideal for groups larger than eight. For quick business trips, family getaways, or last-minute travel within a region, the Citation II is an exceptional choice for value, speed, and comfort.

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How the Citation II Compares to Other Light Jet

Introduced in 1977 by Cessna, the Citation II was developed to expand the capabilities of the original Citation I, offering more range, better performance, and increased passenger capacity. Its success quickly made it a best-seller in the light jet segment, and production ran strong for nearly two decades with over 600 delivered worldwide.


The Citation II’s robust design, straightforward avionics, and forgiving flight characteristics led to widespread adoption by corporate operators, government agencies, and charter providers. Its reputation for low operating costs and easy maintenance has helped keep many Citation IIs flying today, with upgrades and refurbishments continually enhancing their appeal.


Even as newer models have entered the market, the Citation II continues to be a reliable, cost-effective solution for private jet travelers seeking comfort, efficiency, and access to smaller airports.

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Citation II History and Background

Introduced in 1977 by Cessna, the Citation II was developed to expand the capabilities of the original Citation I, offering more range, better performance, and increased passenger capacity. Its success quickly made it a best-seller in the light jet segment, and production ran strong for nearly two decades with over 600 delivered worldwide.


The Citation II’s robust design, straightforward avionics, and forgiving flight characteristics led to widespread adoption by corporate operators, government agencies, and charter providers. Its reputation for low operating costs and easy maintenance has helped keep many Citation IIs flying today, with upgrades and refurbishments continually enhancing their appeal.


Even as newer models have entered the market, the Citation II continues to be a reliable, cost-effective solution for private jet travelers seeking comfort, efficiency, and access to smaller airports.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Passengers Can the Citation II Carry?

The Citation II typically accommodates seven to eight passengers in a club seating arrangement, with some aircraft offering an additional side-facing seat. This flexible layout works well for both business groups and family travelers.

What Is the Range of the Citation II?

The Citation II has a range of approximately 1969 nautical miles, or roughly 2265 statute miles. That is enough to fly most regional routes and many transcontinental trips nonstop, with the longest coast-to-coast legs occasionally needing a brief fuel stop depending on winds and load.

How Fast Does the Citation II Fly?

Its high-speed cruise is 402 knots (about 430 mph), with a long-range cruise near 370 knots. The aircraft's 43000-foot service ceiling lets it fly above most weather and traffic for a smoother, more direct trip.

How Much Does It Cost to Charter a Citation II?

Charter rates generally fall between roughly $2800 and $3500 per flight hour, depending on the route, season, repositioning, and fees. Because Jettly is a marketplace, you can compare live quotes from multiple Part 135 operators and book the best option for your trip; empty-leg flights can lower the cost further.

Does the Hawker Citation II Have a Stand-up Cabin?

Yes, the Citation II features a thoughtfully designed cabin with ample headroom for a light jet and a private lavatory at the rear. Baggage space is generous, holding up to 40 cubic feet for personal items, sports gear, or business equipment.

Is the Citation II Good for Transcontinental Flights?

The Citation II is ideal for most regional and coast-to-coast flights within the United States, connecting cities like New York and Miami or Chicago and Dallas without a fuel stop. For the longest domestic legs, a brief technical stop may be necessary, a standard consideration for light jets.

Jettly gives you access to a global marketplace of more than 23,000 aircraft, including Citation II jets operated by vetted FAA Part 135 Part 135 carriers. Compare live quotes, check real availability, and book with full concierge support, whether you are planning a single regional hop or a recurring travel schedule.

Enter your route and dates to get instant pricing on the Citation II, or speak with our team about empty-leg deals and membership options that can bring your cost per trip down even further.

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