Why has Cessna stopped producing the Citation X+?
The Citation X+ (and its forerunner the Citation X) has been one of the most headline-grabbing private jets over the past 20 years – as the fastest civilian aircraft in the world. (It was briefly overtaken by the Gulfstream G650 for a while, before retaining its crown).
But Cessna’s owner Textron has now announced that it is ceasing production of the much-loved ‘Lamborghini of the skies’.
The Citation X has been very popular and desirable over the past two decades, instantly recognisable for its high swept wing. But record-breaking speed is no longer enough in today’s market.
Since the original Citation X launched in 1996 (the X+ upgrade followed in 2014), the market has changed – becoming very polarised, with the greatest demand in the light jet and long range segments. And when it comes to big jets, range and comfort are bigger drivers for today’s customer than headline-grabbing speed.
The Citation X+’s range of 3,500 nautical miles falls behind the 3,900nm offered by Embraer’s Legacy 650. And it can’t compete with the flat-floor and generous cabin comforts of the Bombardier Challenger 350.
Then there’s the competition from within. Textron’s own Citation Longitude is due for entry into service imminently, and offers a 12-seat cabin and similar range (4,000nm). But more agility (being able to operate on shorter runways) and a better cabin – it’s about a foot wider and four inches taller.
Watch our video tour of the Citation Longitude:
So there’s simply too much overlap to continue making both. We’ll see many Citation X+s continue to operate in the private jet charter market for some time yet – it’s a great aircraft with solid performance and excellent reputation. But manufacturers these days have to make tough commercial decisions to survive, and Textron has decided the Citation X+ has had its day.
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