C&L Aerospace Disrupts the Citation Aftermarket with Massive Parts Investment

For years, Citation operators have had limited options for replacement parts, particularly for legacy aircraft such as Citation Excel and XLS. That landscape is changing quickly thanks to a major move by C&L Aerospace. The company has acquired and disassembled 27 Citation aircraft, creating a stockpile of more than 16,000 overhauled and tagged parts now available for immediate sale.

Long recognized for its regional and corporate jet support programs, C&L describes the effort as a strategic, long-term commitment to provide faster turnaround times, better cost control, and a dependable alternative to the OEM.

“We saw a gap in the market,” says CEO Chris Kilgour. “Citation operators were dependent on a single source, often facing high costs and long delays. We’re stepping in with scale, infrastructure, and a customer-focused approach to change that. It was the right time to introduce a sustainable solution.”

Targeting the Mid-Size Workhorses

C&L’s decision to focus on the Citation Excel, XLS, Sovereign, and Latitude models was intentional. These aircraft dominate the mid-size segment of business aviation and share a significant amount of parts commonality, including with Textron’s upcoming Citation Ascend.

“That overlap broadens our customer base and ensures the inventory we’re building will stay relevant well into the future,” Kilgour explains.

Inventory That Changes the Game

The result is one of the largest Citation parts programs in the world. Beyond scale, the difference is in the approach. Each part is tagged, certified, and ready for immediate shipment, with same-day dispatch available for many items.

“It’s not just about having inventory,” says Kilgour. “It’s about having the right parts, in the right condition, when operators need them.”

While OEMs maintain large inventories, shortages still occur, especially for high-demand components and interior items. C&L focuses on stocking what operators need most, including landing gear, actuators, avionics, flight controls, and interior components.

“There’s been a real shortage of quality, serviceable interior components,” Kilgour adds. “Operators aren’t just performing full refurbishments. They need replacement panels, latches, and seat parts for day-to-day maintenance. We’re helping fill that void.”

Cost Control and Customer Access

C&L’s investment extends beyond parts stocking. Its inventory is directly integrated with in-house overhaul and repair operations, creating a streamlined, efficient supply chain. This structure allows C&L to better manage repair costs and pass those savings on to operators.

“We have leverage on both inventory and overhaul,” Kilgour says. “That helps us keep pricing competitive and ensures customers benefit directly.”

To make the process even easier, C&L recently launched a customer portal designed specifically for Citation operators. The platform allows users to search inventory, check real-time availability, view part photos, and review certifications before purchasing—entirely online.

“It’s the kind of transparency and convenience that has been missing from the aftermarket,” Kilgour notes. “With quick quotes, dedicated account managers, and technical support when needed, we’re giving operators more flexibility and control.”

A New Option for Citation Operators

Until recently, Citation customers had few alternatives for sourcing replacement parts. C&L’s initiative introduces healthy competition to a market long dominated by a single supplier.

“We’ve expanded the playing field,” Kilgour says. “Operators now have a credible, well-supported option. That competition benefits everyone.”

Integrated MRO Support

C&L’s program also strengthens its in-house maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities. Parts from disassembled aircraft are used directly in maintenance events at C&L’s Bangor, Maine facility and other locations, reducing lead times and improving scheduling certainty.

“This integration attracts new MRO customers,” the company notes. “Operators know we already have the parts they need in-house, which makes maintenance planning faster and more predictable.”

Looking Ahead

C&L plans to expand the concept further. We are already evaluating additional Citation platforms and other aircraft types for future programs. For now, the focus remains on scaling current inventory and meeting growing demand from operators worldwide.

“The response has been outstanding,” Kilgour says. “What excites us most is that we’re providing a truly viable option for Citation operators. We’re reducing costs, improving availability, and giving them more control over their maintenance operations. This is just the beginning.”