Citation XLS receives FAA approval

Cessna announced on March 23 that it received FAA approval of its $9.895 million Citation XLS, a faster, roomier and longer-legged derivative of the Citation Excel. Like the Excel, the XLS remains a model 560XL. Cessna went through the standard certification process with the XLS, but the FAA decided to change only the data sheets to reflect the new specs, such as the weight and engine changes, according to a spokesperson. Including the XLS, Cessna said it has certified 22 new or derivative Citation models since it delivered its first jet in 1972. In the 32 years since then, the Wichita-based manufacturer has delivered more than 4,000 Citations.