Cessna Citation II (550)

The Cessna Citation II entered service in 1978 as the stretched, more capable successor to the original Citation I, with a longer fuselage, greater wingspan, more powerful Pratt & Whitney JT15D-4 engines, and increased seating and range. It became one of Cessna's best-selling jets ever, with over 600 built across a 16-year run through 1994. Although now dated, the Citation II remains a popular economical charter light jet, valued for seating up to 8, short-field access, and the lowest hourly rate in the class.

The Citation II cabin seats up to 8 passengers across a 13.6-foot interior, roomy for its era, most often a club-four with additional forward and aft seats. It is a comfortable, practical cabin for short trips where seat count and low cost matter more than modern finishes or speed.

• Headroom is 4 feet 8 inches at the center aisle. Passengers cannot stand upright, but the cabin seats up to eight, more than most light jets of its generation.
• Baggage capacity of 60 cubic feet holds five to six medium suitcases. With a full eight-passenger load, confirm luggage needs before booking.
• A rear enclosed lavatory is standard, usable as a belted seat for an additional passenger when needed.
• A small refreshment center and 12 windows are standard. Interiors vary widely by operator on this older type, and Wi-Fi is rare, so confirm amenities at booking.
  Baggage note for the Citation II: The 60 cubic foot hold suits five to six medium suitcases. With a full eight-passenger load, baggage space becomes a real constraint, so confirm requirements in advance or consider the roomier Encore.

The Citation II is the foundation of Cessna's classic light-jet line. It defined the category in 1978 and was succeeded by the Bravo, which in turn shared the lineage with the Ultra and Encore. It sits well below and before the CitationJet (525) family. This comparison shows where it fits against its descendants.

Choose the Citation II for the lowest cost and up to eight seats on short hops. Choose the Bravo or Ultra for a newer cockpit, faster cruise, and a more refined cabin. All are classic Cessna light jets that predate the CitationJet family

The Citation II performs best on short, budget-focused routes within its practical range, especially for larger groups. These represent its most common charter missions.

Citation II charter rates run $2,500 to $3,500 per flight hour, the most economical in the light-jet class. Total one-way trip pricing depends on route distance, positioning, and demand. For a current Citation II quote, contact Hogani Jets at charter@hoganijets.com or +1-855-660-0573.

The $2,500 to $3,500 hourly rate for a Citation II charter covers core operational costs. Additional fees and services are quoted separately on every trip, which is important to understand when comparing total trip prices.

• Aircraft operation: fuel, crew, and maintenance are included in the hourly rate.
• Two certificated pilots: required for all Citation II charter operations.
• Federal excise tax and segment fees: federally mandated, quoted separately.
• Positioning costs: charged if the aircraft must reposition to your departure airport.
• International handling fees: these apply on Bahamas and other international hops.

Contact Hogani Jets team for current pricing and more details about Citation ll private jet charter.

When buyers cross-shop the Citation II, the two most common comparisons are the Citation Bravo, its direct successor, and the Citation Ultra, the value classic peer. Both are newer than the Citation II with faster cruise and updated cockpits; the Citation II undercuts them on price. The table below shows where each fits.

The Citation II is most frequently chartered on short, budget-focused regional and East Coast routes for larger groups. Links below connect to relevant route and destination pages.

• Miami to Nassau, Bahamas: a low-cost short hop for up to eight.
• Miami to the Bahamas: the near islands are within practical range.
• New York to Miami: at the edge of practical Citation II range.
• Bahamas private jet charter: a popular budget destination region.

Hogani Jets coordinates each Citation II charter through licensed Part 135 operators. Hogani Jets does not operate the aircraft directly. Every charter is conducted by a licensed Part 135 direct air carrier whose crew, maintenance, and operations remain under that carrier's independent operational control, with certifications and safety records reviewed as part of every booking.

Ready to book citation ll private jet or want to check availability? Contact Hogani Jets for a tailored Citation II quote. 

Call +1-855-660-0573 or email charter@hoganijets.com, and our team will coordinate the right aircraft and operator for your trip.

How much does it cost to charter a Citation II?

Citation II charter rates run $2,500 to $3,500 per flight hour, the most economical in the light-jet class. One-way trip pricing ranges from about $7,500 for short Bahamas hops to $14,000 for runs like New York to Miami. Pricing varies by route, positioning, and season.

How many passengers can the Citation II carry?

The Citation II seats up to 8 passengers, more than most light jets of its generation, with some high-density layouts carrying more and a belted lavatory seat. Most charter configurations are set for 7 to 8.

What is the range of the Citation II?

The Citation II has a maximum range of 1,600 nautical miles (1,841 miles), though with a full eight-passenger load the practical range is meaningfully lower. It suits short regional hops rather than long legs, and does not reach longer Caribbean destinations such as Turks and Caicos or San Juan nonstop.

Is the Citation II an old aircraft?

Yes. The Citation II was built from 1978 to 1994 and is the oldest aircraft in Cessna's light-jet line. It is dated in avionics, cabin finish, and speed compared with newer light jets, but remains a proven, economical option, with most of the 600-plus built still in service.

How does the Citation II compare to the Bravo?

The Bravo is the Citation II's direct successor, introduced in 1997 with more efficient engines, a glass cockpit, faster cruise, and steep-field capability. The Citation II is older and slower but undercuts the Bravo on hourly cost and seats up to eight. Both are classic Cessna light jets outside the CitationJet family.

Can the Citation II operate from short runways?

Yes. The Citation II needs about 3,440 feet of runway for takeoff and lands in just over 2,000 feet, keeping the short-field access the Citation line is known for and opening many smaller regional airports.

Is the Citation II still available for charter?

Yes. Although production ended in 1994, the Citation II remains widely available in charter, with most of the 600-plus aircraft built still operating. It is one of the most economical ways to charter a light jet for up to eight passengers.

Is Hogani Jets a direct air carrier?

No. Hogani Jets is an air charter broker and does not own or operate aircraft. All Citation II charters are facilitated through licensed Part 135 direct air carriers, who maintain full operational control and regulatory compliance for every flight.