Fly Alliance To Buy Up To 20 Citations From Textron

Four of the aircraft included in the agreement are firm orders, with options to buy another 16 aircraft. 

"Fly Alliance set out with the goal of improving the private charter experience, so it only makes sense to bring the Citation XLS Gen2 into their fleet," O'Bannion said. "The latest version of our popular midsize jet features comfort and productivity upgrades while retaining the model's winning combination of performance and efficiencies." 

Presently, Fly Alliance's managed and charter aircraft fleet, which includes six Hawker 800XP aircraft, is based in Florida in Orlando, Stuart, Palm Beach and Miami, as well as in Providence, Rhode Island. When they take on the XLS Gen2, it will be the company's first Citation.

Cessna Citation XLS Gen2

The Cessna Citation XLS Gen2 is Textron's latest Citation 560XL midsize jet update. Over the past 25 years, Textron has delivered more than 1,500 XLs to customers. According to Textron, the Gen2 can fly at speeds up to 441 knots with a range as far as 2,100 nm. It has a takeoff field length of 3,600 feet and can climb to FL450 in just 30 minutes. 

Textron revealed the Gen2 at the 2021 National Business Aviation Association - Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition in Las Vegas. Textron said that the Gen2 achieved FAA-type certification in May and began deliveries.  

"The Fly Alliance acquisition of up to 20 brand new aircraft from Textron Aviation expands our product offering to our members and customers," Kevin Wargo, CEO of Alliance Aviation Group, said. Wargo also said the company intends to build its fleet to 100 aircraft in the years ahead.