FAA Awards Type Certification for Citation XLS Gen2

Textron Aviation has received FAA type certification on its newest Cessna 560XL variant—the Citation XLS Gen2, which was introduced at the 2021 NBAA-BACE in Las Vegas. It has also delivered this week the first production copy of the XLS Gen2 to an unnamed, long-time Citation operator in the U.S. Midwest.

“This fresh approach to our popular 560XL series includes comfort and productivity upgrades requested by our customers yet retains the model’s combination of performance and efficiencies that offers midsize jet features at a smaller jet operating cost,” said Textron Aviation senior v-p of sales and flight operations Lannie O’Bannion.

Cabin updates to the $15.5 million XLS Gen2 include a lighted airstair door, the addition of an entry door for inclement weather, a pedestal seat design with individual controls and USB charging port, and an optional fold-down forward couch for extra baggage stowage. Additional upgrades are a wireless cabin management system with a moving map monitor, wireless smartphone charging, and an optional Bongiovi speakerless sound system.

The Wichita-based OEM has delivered more than 1,000 Model 560XL variants since the type’s introduction as the Citation Excel in 1998.