Charter a Cessna Citation CJ2

The Cessna Citation CJ2 (Model 525A) is a light business jet produced by Textron Aviation between 2000 and 2006, with 243 examples built and a significant fleet still active in the European charter market. It occupies the smallest and most affordable end of the jet charter spectrum - not a turboprop, not a very light jet, but a proper single-aisle business jet with a pressurised cabin, jet-speed performance and the full private aviation terminal experience. What sets it apart from most competitors is single-pilot certification: the CJ2 can legally be operated by one pilot, reducing operating costs and making it particularly accessible on short-notice, short-sector bookings.

At 774 km/h cruise and a range of 1,613 nm (2,987 km), it reaches Paris in under 35 minutes from London, covers most of Western Europe comfortably and gets clients to Geneva in approximately 55 minutes. For small groups needing a genuine jet on a European sector of under 2 hours, nothing in the charter market delivers more value per pound. Charter prices start from approximately £2,100 per flight hour. See our full aircraft range and pricing at the private jet price guide or browse our complete fleet.

Why charter the Citation CJ2?

• Single-pilot certified - lower operating costs. Unlike most jets which require two pilots by regulation, it is certified for single-pilot operation. This reduces crew costs meaningfully, and on short sectors those savings flow through to the charter rate - making it one of the most competitively priced genuine jet experiences available;
• The entry point to jet travel for small groups. For 2 to 4 passengers on European sectors under 90 minutes, the CJ2 is often the most rational choice: faster than any turboprop, cheaper per sector than larger jets, and delivering the full private aviation terminal experience - no queues, no checked baggage, departure 20 minutes after arrival at the FBO;
• Surprisingly capable cabin for its size. The CJ2 has a larger footprint than the Citation CJ1 it succeeded - the fuselage grew by 89 cm, the wingspan by 90 cm - and the 1.8 m cabin height means most passengers do not feel cramped on sub-90-minute sectors. Six windows per side give the cabin a bright, airy feel;
• Exceptional range for the category. At 1,613 nm (2,987 km), it reaches further than many light jets in its price bracket, covering UK to Spain, Italy and even Athens from southern UK airports non-stop;
• Short-field access. With a maximum takeoff weight of only 5,670 kg, the CJ2 can use runways and airfields unavailable to heavier jets, including many smaller UK regional airports and European aerodromes;
• Large available fleet. 243 were built between 2000 and 2006, and many remain active in the European charter market. Combined with the successor CJ2+ fleet, availability for short-notice bookings is generally good across the UK.

Charter cost - Citation CJ2 prices from UK airports

Hourly rates run from approximately £2,100 to £2,800 depending on operator and positioning. The single-pilot certification and compact operating cost profile make the CJ2 one of the most price-competitive jets for groups of 4 to 6 on European day trips. On a per-seat basis for a London to Geneva business trip, it frequently undercuts business class on a scheduled airline while eliminating every inconvenience that comes with it.

Indicative one-way prices from UK airports:

• London to Paris - from £3,600 (6 passengers, approximately 35 minutes);
• London to Amsterdam - from £4,200 (6 passengers, approximately 50 minutes);
• London to Geneva - from £5,600 (6 passengers, approximately 55 minutes);
• London to Berlin - from £5,800 (6 passengers, approximately 1 hour 10 minutes);
• London to Nice - from £6,400 (6 passengers, approximately 1 hour 25 minutes);
• London to Madrid - from £7,600 (6 passengers, approximately 1 hour 50 minutes);
• Manchester to Dublin - from £2,800 (6 passengers, approximately 25 minutes).

Empty Leg opportunities appear regularly on the CJ2 given the volume of one-way European charters on this type. See our Empty Legs page for current routes and savings of 50 to 75% off standard rates.

Ideal routes for the Citation CJ2

This aircraft is the right choice when the group is small, the sector is short and cost efficiency is the priority. It excels in a specific niche that larger jets overshoot and turboprops fall short of:

• UK to France, Benelux and Switzerland (30 to 60 minutes). Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, Geneva, Zurich. On these sectors it is as fast as any jet, and the lower hourly rate makes it the most cost-efficient option for groups of 4 to 6. London to Geneva in under an hour for 6 people, from £5,600 total - hard to match on any alternative;
• UK domestic and Ireland (20 to 45 minutes). Belfast, Dublin, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Jersey, Guernsey. The short-field performance and single-pilot economics make it particularly cost-effective on UK domestic sectors where commercial alternatives involve connections or long road transfers;
• UK to Germany, Scandinavia and Iberia (1 to 2 hours). Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich, Stockholm, Madrid, Barcelona. It covers all of these non-stop with good speed. For Madrid and Barcelona it approaches the limits of its comfortable operating range - a Phenom 300 or Citation XLS may be preferable for 2+ hour sectors with 6 passengers;
• Small group same-day returns. Particularly suited to 2 to 4 person executive travel where chartering a larger jet creates unnecessary cost. An MD or partner flying solo or with one colleague to a European meeting is the archetypal charter on this type - fast, efficient, private and considerably cheaper than taking a larger aircraft;
• Time-critical short-notice bookings. The combination of single-pilot operation, large available fleet and low operating costs means it is often the quickest aircraft to confirm and deploy at short notice on popular European routes.

Cabin and in-flight experience

The CJ2 cabin measures 4.14 m long, 1.45 m wide and 1.8 m high. The 1.8 m height is notably generous for the aircraft's size - passengers of average height can move through the cabin without stooping. Six windows per side create an unusually bright and open atmosphere for a light jet of this footprint. The cabin layout seats 6 passengers in standard configuration with an option for a 7th seat on some examples.

This is not a stand-up, walk-around experience - it is a compact, well-designed space optimised for sectors where the flight time is under 90 minutes and comfort means good seating, a view, appropriate catering and a quiet ride rather than an onboard galley and lounge zones. On those terms it delivers consistently.

• Seating. Standard 6-seat club configuration. 7th seat available on some examples. All seats have fold-out tables and recline;
• Catering. Cold beverages and snacks standard. Pre-ordered hot catering available from the departure FBO for longer sectors;
• Lavatory. A private enclosed lavatory is included on most charter examples;
• Wi-Fi. Available on some CJ2+ examples and refurbished CJ2s - confirm at booking;
• Baggage. Nose compartment and aft baggage area provide capacity for 4 to 5 standard cabin bags or small suitcases. Not suitable for large suitcases or sports equipment - advise your consultant of luggage requirements at booking.

Technical specifications

Citation CJ2 vs similar aircraft

• CJ2 vs CJ2+. Production of the updated variant ran from 2005 to 2016. It features revised Williams FJ44-3A+ engines with approximately 5% better fuel efficiency, minor avionics updates and a slightly smoother interior finish. Charter rates are marginally higher. For most European sectors the practical difference is negligible - the newer variant is preferred when available but both deliver a comparable client experience;
• CJ2 vs Phenom 300. That aircraft is the step up in the light jet category - faster (834 km/h vs 774 km/h), more range (1,800 nm vs 1,613 nm), BMW Designworks interior and a larger cabin. Charter rates are approximately 20 to 30% higher. For groups of 6 on European sectors over 1.5 hours, or where cabin design is a priority, the Phenom 300 is the better choice. For 4-person short European hops where cost efficiency matters most, it holds its own clearly;
• CJ2 vs King Air 350. The King Air is a turboprop at a lower hourly rate. The CJ2 wins on speed (774 km/h vs 482 km/h), quieter in cruise, and delivers the jet experience. On sectors over 45 minutes the jet earns the modest additional cost. Where the King Air's short-field capability or capacity for 9+ passengers is needed, the turboprop is the right tool.

Frequently asked questions - Citation CJ2 charter

How much does it cost to charter a Cessna Citation CJ2?
Rates run from approximately £2,100 to £2,800 per flight hour. London to Geneva costs from £5,600 for 6 passengers. London to Paris costs from £3,600. London to Nice costs from £6,400. All quotes from Private Jets UK are fully itemised and include aircraft, crew, fuel, landing fees and standard catering.

How many passengers can fly on a Citation CJ2?
Up to 9 passengers at maximum capacity, though 6 is the optimal configuration for comfort. For groups of 7 to 9, confirm the exact seat layout with your consultant as it varies between operators and may affect comfort on longer sectors.

Can the Citation CJ2 be flown by one pilot?
Yes - single-pilot type certification means, meaning it can legally be operated by one qualified pilot. This is one of the practical reasons why charter rates are competitive compared to two-pilot jets - single-pilot operation reduces crew costs, particularly on short sectors with quick turnarounds.

What is the range of the Citation CJ2?
Range is 1,613 nm (2,987 km), covering all of Western Europe non-stop from UK airports. It reaches Madrid, Rome, Athens and Nice from London without a fuel stop. For Middle East or transatlantic operations, a longer-range aircraft is required.

What is the difference between the CJ2 and CJ2+?
The plus variant (produced 2005 to 2016) has updated Williams FJ44-3A+ engines with improved fuel efficiency and minor interior refinements. The cabin dimensions are identical. In practice, most clients notice little difference between the two on a 1-hour European sector - both deliver a comparable flight experience at similar charter rates.