Textron Unveils Citation M2 Gen2, Citation XLS Gen2

Textron Aviation announced upgrades to its Citation M2 and XLS business jets at the National Business Aviation Association’s Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) on Monday.

The M2 Gen2 and XLS Gen2 will both see modifications in the cabin that will help operators increase productivity in flight.

“Shaped by extensive customer feedback, the upgrades to these aircraft embody the latest in technology and design,” said Textron Aviation’s vice president of customer experience, Christi Tannahill.

A derivative of the Citation CJ1, the M2 Gen2 is Textron’s lightest aircraft under the single-pilot certified 525-series of aircraft. The 525 series also includes the CJ2+, C3+ and CJ4 Gen2—the first aircraft for which Textron Aviation used Gen2 as a substitute for the + sign to signal an upgrade.

The interior of the Citation M2 Gen2 has seen a major overhaul, with new styling, lighting—including illuminated cup holders—more storage, wireless charging and USB ports. New entryway materials are sturdier to prevent wear and tear.

The right-seat pilot gets extra comfort, too, thanks to three more inches of legroom. A side-facing seat in the cabin can accommodate a 50-pound bag with the backrest folded down.

Similar upgrades, with some additions, have been made to the Citation XLS Gen2, an aircraft that has seen heavy use in the fractional and charter world. More than 1,000 airplanes have been delivered in the Citation XL family, Tannahill said.

Like the Citation M2 Gen2, the Citation XLS Gen2 offers USB ports at each seat, wireless charging stations and new styling in the cabin.

Textron offers six color scheme options for the XLS Gen2 or full customization to the customers specifications. The XLS Gen2 also has a side-facing couch with two foldable seats that allow for easy storage of luggage up to 100 pounds that needs to be accessed in flight.

A Bongiovi speakerless sound system is also included.

Textron’s app for smartphones and tablets allows passengers to control features such like entertainment system and moving map display for both of the new airplanes, and the interior lighting for the XLS Gen2.

The airstair in the XLS Gen2 has lighted steps, and a curtain has been added to make the cabin quieter in flight and keep the elements at bay while the door is open on the ground.

These upgraded Citation models are expected to be introduced in early 2022.