Light Jet - Legacy Production
Cessna Citation CJ2: Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
Cessna Aircraft Company
Cessna Citation CJ2: Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
The Cessna Citation CJ2 (Model 525A), produced from 2000 to 2006, is the 5-foot stretch evolution of the CJ1 platform that delivered six-passenger capacity and substantially more cabin volume in the same Citation 525 family. Powered by twin Williams International FJ44-2C turbofans producing 2,400 lbf each, the CJ2 delivers 1,511 nautical miles of range, 413 ktas (Mach 0.71) maximum cruise, and a 45,000 ft service ceiling with single-pilot certification. A total of 243 CJ2s were built before the FADEC-equipped CJ2+ took over in April 2006. Pre-owned market today: $1.8 to $2.8 million.
For owner-operators wanting six-passenger Citation light jet capability at sub-$3 million acquisition cost, the original CJ2 hits a strong value point.
Citation CJ2 Specifications at a Glance
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Category | Light Jet - Legacy Production |
| Production Status | Discontinued April 2006 (replaced by CJ2+) |
| Production Years | 2000 to 2006 |
| Total Units Built | 243 |
| Model Designation | Cessna 525A (serial 0001 to 0299) |
| Crew | 1 pilot (single-pilot certified) |
| Passengers (Standard) | 6 |
| Passengers (Max) | 7 (with belted lavatory) |
| Max Range (NBAA IFR, 4 pax) | 1,511 nm |
| Max Cruise Speed | 413 ktas (480 mph) |
| Long-Range Cruise | 352 ktas |
| Max Operating Altitude | 45,000 ft |
| Engines | 2× Williams International FJ44-2C |
| Thrust per Engine | 2,400 lbf (4,800 lbf total) |
| Avionics | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 (hybrid in early aircraft) |
| Max Takeoff Weight | 12,500 lbs |
| Cabin Length | 13.7 ft (5-ft stretch over CJ1) |
| Cabin Width | 4.83 ft (58 in) |
| Cabin Height | 4.75 ft (57 in) |
| Cabin Volume | 243 cubic ft |
| Total Baggage Capacity | 1,100 lbs |
| Balanced Field Length | 3,420 ft (sea level, ISA) |
| Original Price (2000) | $5,995,000 |
| Pre-Owned Price (2025) | $1,800,000 to $2,800,000 |
History and the 5-Foot Stretch
By the late 1990s, Cessna saw demand from CJ1 operators wanting more cabin and capacity. The solution was the Citation CJ2: a 5-foot fuselage stretch of the CJ1 with upgraded Williams FJ44-2C engines, longer wing (35-inch span increase), and higher gross weight to handle the larger airframe.
The design objectives summed up in three words: simplicity, economy, performance.
Platform timeline:
- 2000: CJ2 first deliveries begin (Model 525A)
- 2000 to 2006: Production run, 243 aircraft built
- April 2, 2005: First test flight of upgraded CJ2 (would become CJ2+)
- April 2006: CJ2+ enters production at Model 525A serial 0300+
What Makes the CJ2 Different From the CJ1
The CJ2 introduced substantial improvements over the CJ1:
- 5-foot cabin stretch: 13.7 ft vs 11 ft cabin length
- 35-inch wingspan increase: Better high-altitude performance
- More powerful FJ44-2C engines: 2,400 lbf vs 1,900 lbf on CJ1
- MTOW increase: 12,500 lbs vs 10,700 lbs on CJ1
- Fuel capacity increase: 780 lbs additional fuel weight
- 30 knot faster cruise: 413 ktas vs CJ1's 387 ktas
- 480 nm more range: 1,511 nm vs 1,300 nm
- 45,000 ft ceiling: Up from 41,000 ft
Cabin Interior
The 5-foot stretch transformed the Citation 525 family from a 4-5 passenger jet to a true 6-7 passenger platform:
| Cabin Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Cabin Length | 13.7 ft |
| Cabin Width | 4.83 ft (58 inches) |
| Cabin Height | 4.75 ft (57 inches) |
| Cabin Volume | 243 cubic ft |
Seating Configurations
- Standard 6-Seat Club: Forward club pair, aft club pair, with refreshment center
- 7-Seat with Belted Lavatory: Optional
Cabin Features
- Lower center aisle: Increases effective cabin height to 4'9"
- Extra soundproofing: Quieter than CJ1
- 3 baggage compartments: 1,100 lbs total, 1,000 lbs external (less cramped cabin)
- Pressurized to 8.9 psi: Sea level cabin altitude maintained to 23,586 ft
- Forward galley: Optional refreshment center
Performance
Speed and Range
| Performance Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Max Cruise Speed | 413 ktas (480 mph, Mach 0.71) |
| Long-Range Cruise | 352 ktas |
| Range (NBAA IFR, 4 pax) | 1,511 nm |
| Service Ceiling | 45,000 ft |
Climb Performance
- Time to 37,000 ft: 17 minutes
- 5,000 ft elevation takeoff: 5,080 ft
Runway Performance
| Field Performance | Value |
|---|---|
| Balanced Field Length (sea level, ISA) | 3,420 ft |
| Takeoff at 5,000 ft elevation | 5,080 ft |
Typical Mission Examples
- Los Angeles to Dallas (1,121 nm)
- New York to Miami (956 nm)
- Chicago to Denver (888 nm)
- London to Athens (1,481 nm)
Engines
Two Williams International FJ44-2C turbofan engines, each producing 2,400 lbf of thrust (4,800 lbf total). Mechanical fuel control (FADEC added on CJ2+ in 2006).
Fuel burn averages 140 gallons per hour, exceptional efficiency for the platform's payload capability.
Avionics
The CJ2 uses the Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics platform with hybrid arrangement in earlier aircraft. The Pro Line 21 was integrated more completely on the CJ2+.
Many CJ2s have been upgraded with:
- Dual Garmin GTN 750 GPS units
- ADS-B Out compliance
- WAAS/LPV navigation
- Synthetic Vision retrofits
Operating Costs
| Cost Item | Per Hour |
|---|---|
| Fuel (~140 gph) | $980 to $1,260 |
| Engine Reserve | $360 |
| Airframe Maintenance | $320 |
| Misc Variable | $200 |
| Total Variable Cost | ~$1,860 to $2,140/hr |
Annual operating budget at 200 hours: approximately $610,000. Annual operating budget at 400 hours: approximately $899,000.
Charter rates: $3,500 per hour starting point.
Pricing
| Year Range | Price Range |
|---|---|
| 2005 to 2006 CJ2 (final production) | $2,500,000 to $2,800,000 |
| 2002 to 2004 CJ2 | $2,000,000 to $2,500,000 |
| 2000 to 2001 CJ2 (early production) | $1,800,000 to $2,200,000 |
Mission Profile
Best fit profiles:
- Step-Up From CJ1: 6-passenger capability without changing type rating
- Light Corporate Flight Departments: Reliable workhorse
- Charter Operators: Strong dispatch, exceptional fuel economy
- Owner-Operators Wanting Six-Passenger Citation: Most-attainable in segment
Less suited if:
- You need FADEC engines (consider CJ2+)
- You require Garmin G3000 avionics
- You want autothrottle
- You need stand-up cabin (consider Phenom 300)
CJ2 vs CJ2+ Comparison
| Feature | CJ2 (2000-2006) | CJ2+ (2006-2016) |
|---|---|---|
| Engines | FJ44-2C (2,400 lbf) | FJ44-3A-24 (2,490 lbf, FADEC) |
| Avionics | Pro Line 21 (hybrid) | Pro Line 21 (integrated) |
| Range | 1,511 nm | 1,613 nm |
| TCAS / TAWS | Optional | Standard |
| Pre-Owned Price | $1.8M to $2.8M | $2.5M to $3.5M |
Pros and Cons
What the CJ2 Does Well
- 6-passenger capability in proven Citation 525 family
- 1,511 nm range covers most U.S. transcontinental missions
- Williams FJ44-2C engines: reliable, fuel efficient (140 gph)
- Single-pilot certified
- Forward, mid, and aft baggage (1,100 lbs total)
- 45,000 ft service ceiling
Tradeoffs to Understand
- No FADEC (CJ2+ adds this)
- Pro Line 21 in hybrid arrangement on earlier aircraft
- Limited zero fuel weight (improved on CJ2+)
- Cabin smaller than premium light jets like Phenom 300
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the CJ2 different from the CJ1?
The CJ2 is a 5-foot fuselage stretch of the CJ1 with more powerful Williams FJ44-2C engines (2,400 lbf vs 1,900 lbf), 35-inch wingspan increase, higher MTOW (12,500 vs 10,700 lbs), and 6-passenger capacity vs CJ1's 5-passenger.
How is the CJ2 different from the CJ2+?
The CJ2+ (April 2006) added FADEC engine control with the Williams FJ44-3A-24 engines (2,490 lbf), integrated Pro Line 21 avionics, standard TCAS and TAWS, and improved range (1,613 nm vs 1,511 nm).
Is the Citation CJ2 single-pilot certified?
Yes.
How far can a CJ2 fly?
The Citation CJ2 has a maximum NBAA IFR range of approximately 1,511 nautical miles with four passengers.
How many CJ2s were built?
A total of 243 Citation CJ2 aircraft were built between 2000 and 2006.
What is the CJ2's fuel burn?
The CJ2 burns approximately 140 gallons per hour at typical cruise.
The Bottom Line
The Cessna Citation CJ2 transformed the Model 525 platform from a 4-5 passenger jet to a true six-passenger light jet, opening up substantially more mission capability. At current pre-owned pricing of $1.8 to $2.8 million, the CJ2 remains one of the strongest values in proven six-passenger Citation single-pilot ownership. The tradeoff is the absence of FADEC engines (added on CJ2+), but for budget-focused buyers the value proposition is compelling.
Quantum Jets supports the platform across private jet charter, private jet rental, private jet card programs, aircraft purchase, jet purchase, jet sales, aircraft sales, aircraft management, jet management, private jet management, aircraft maintenance, aircraft refurbishment, fractional jet access, aircraft lease, and aircraft leasing structures.
Talk to a Quantum Jets broker for CJ2 market intelligence and pre-buy diligence.
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Related Aircraft Guides:
- Citation CJ1: Smaller Predecessor Variant
- Citation CJ2+: FADEC-Equipped Successor
- Citation CJ3 (Original): Larger Step-Up
- Phenom 300 (Original): Premium Light Jet Alternative
Production of the Citation CJ2 ended in April 2006. All acquisitions are pre-owned. Specifications accurate as of 2026.