Cessna Citation II light jet available for private charter

Charter a Citation II Light Jet

Passengers	Range	Speed	Charter From	Best For
Up to 8	1,600 nm	443 mph (385 ktas)	$2,300 / hr	Budget short hops, up to 8

Please note that the hourly rate is not the total trip cost. Final pricing includes known fees such as landing and handling, crew, overflight permits, and taxes, plus variable costs like repositioning, de-icing, wait time, and overnights. Contact Hogani Jets for an accurate all-in quote.

Hogani Jets coordinates Citation II charter flights through licensed Part 135 operators, matching this original, economical classic light jet to budget-focused short hops for larger groups. The Cessna Citation II is the aircraft that defined the light-jet category, the 1978 best-seller that seeded Cessna's entire classic light-jet line. Manufactured by Cessna (Textron Aviation), it seats up to 8 passengers with a range of 1,841 miles (1,600 nm) and a cruise speed of 443 mph (385 ktas). Citation II charter rates run $2,300–$3,200 per flight hour, the most economical in the class, with one-way trip pricing from roughly $7,500 to $14,000 depending on route. With one of the larger cabins for its era and excellent short-field access, the Citation II is the value choice for travelers who want eight seats and the lowest cost over speed or a modern cabin. For faster cruise, newer avionics, or longer Caribbean legs, the Bravo, a CitationJet, or a midsize jet is the better choice. For a current Citation II quote, contact Hogani Jets at charter@hoganijets.com or +1-855-660-0573.

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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.

Specification	Citation II
Manufacturer	Cessna / Textron Aviation
Aircraft Category	Light Jet (original classic)
Passenger Capacity	Up to 8
Cabin Length	13.6 ft (4.15 m)
Cabin Width	4.8 ft (1.47 m)
Cabin Height	4.8 ft (1.47 m)
Baggage Capacity	60 cu ft (1.7 m³)
Max Range	1,600 nm (2,963 km)
Max Cruise Speed	443 mph (385 ktas)
Cabin Altitude	7,500 ft at FL350
Cabin Noise	71 dBA
Engines	Pratt & Whitney JT15D-4 × 2
Typical Runway Required	~3,440 ft takeoff / 2,820 ft landing
Rate of Climb	2,800 ft per minute
Service Ceiling	43,000 ft
Hourly Charter Rate	$2,300–$3,200

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.

Specification	Citation II	Citation Bravo	Citation Ultra
Lineage	Original (1978)	Citation II successor (1997)	Citation V upgrade (1994)
Range	1,600 nm	1,611 nm	1,600 nm
Cruise Speed	443 mph (385 ktas)	449 mph (390 ktas)	444 mph (386 ktas)
Passengers	Up to 8	Up to 8	Up to 9
Avionics	Sperry / Honeywell legacy	Honeywell Primus 1000	Honeywell Primus 1000
Hourly Rate	$2,300–$3,200	$2,500–$3,300	$2,500–$3,300
Character	Oldest, cheapest, 8 seats	Roomier, steep-field	Roomy, value classic

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.

Route	ICAO Codes	Est. Time	Notes
Miami to Nassau, Bahamas	KOPF to MYNN	~1h	Short hop for up to 8 at low cost.
New York to Washington D.C.	KTEB to KJYO	~1h 20m	East Coast corridor, budget option.
Chicago to Dallas	KPWK to KDAL	~2h 15m	Central US regional run.
New York to Atlanta	KTEB to KPDK	~2h 15m	Mid-range East Coast run.
Los Angeles to Las Vegas	KVNY to KLAS	~1h	Short Western hop for a group.

The Citation II is best on shorter regional hops. With a full eight-passenger load its practical range is well below the maximum figure, and it does not reach longer Caribbean legs such as Turks and Caicos or San Juan. For those, a CJ4 or midsize jet is the better fit.

Citation II charter rates run $2,300–$3,200 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.

Route	Est. One-Way Price	Notes
Miami to Nassau, Bahamas	$7,500 - $10,000+	Lowest-cost short Bahamas hop for a group.
New York to Washington D.C.	$8,000 - $13,000+	East Coast corridor.
Chicago to Dallas	$10,000 - $13,000+	Central US regional run.
New York to Atlanta	$10,000 - $15,000+	Mid-range East Coast run.
New York to Miami	$13,000 - $17,000+	At the edge of practical Citation II range; Bravo or CJ often preferred.

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The $2,300–$3,200 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 II 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.

Specification	Citation II	Citation Bravo	Citation Ultra
Passengers	Up to 8	Up to 8	Up to 9
Range	1,600 nm	1,611 nm	1,600 nm
Cruise Speed	443 mph (385 ktas)	449 mph (390 ktas)	444 mph (386 ktas)
Cabin Length	13.6 ft	13.6 ft	13.6 ft
Baggage	60 cu ft	70 cu ft	70 cu ft
Hourly Rate	$2,300–$3,200	$2,500–$3,300	$2,500–$3,300
Best Use Case	Light jet. Oldest, cheapest, 8 seats	Light jet (step up). Faster, steep-field	Light jet (step up). Roomier, value

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.

Relationship	Aircraft	When to Consider
Direct Successor	Citation Bravo	The Citation II's replacement, with faster cruise and steep-field access.
Value Classic	Citation Ultra	Roomier classic light jet, newer avionics, still economical.
Largest Classic	Citation Encore	Largest classic Cessna light jet, more range and a newer cockpit.
Modern Entry	Citation M2	Modern glass-cockpit very light jet for a more current cabin.
Step Up	Citation CJ4	Flagship light jet, most range, reaches the full Caribbean.

Ready to book Citation II 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.

Reviewed by Matt Hogan — Founder, Hogani Jets & Aviation Specialist.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Citation II charter rates run $2,300–$3,200 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Request Your Private Aircraft Quote

Planning your next private flight? Share your journey, preferred aircraft, dates and requirements, and the Hogani Jets team will send a tailored set of quotes.

Get Your Quote

Last Updated: 04 Nov 2026, 01:50 PM ET

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Hogani Jets was built on a simple belief: real luxury is quiet, personal, and effortless. We work with a curated list of operators and a small client base so we can give every journey the attention it deserves.