The Cessna Citation II is the original workhorse of the light jet category and still turns up in the Naples charter market as a value option on short trips inside 1,700 nautical miles. Built from 1978 through 1994, the II is older equipment at a lower hourly rate than a newer Bravo, CJ2, or Encore.
Cessna produced the Citation II (Model 550) from 1978 through 1994 as a stretched Citation I. Two Pratt and Whitney JT15D-4 turbofans drive the type to 385 knots at up to 43,000 feet, seven to eight passengers, 1,700 nautical miles of range, and 77 cubic feet of baggage. Lavatory is belted.
Performance and Cabin
- Category: Light Jet
- Manufacturer: Cessna (Textron Aviation)
- Year introduced: 1978-1994
- Seating: 7 to 8
- Crew: 2
- Range: 1,700 nautical miles
- Cruise speed: 385 knots
- Service ceiling: 43,000 feet
- Length: 47.3 feet
- Wingspan: 52.2 feet
- Height: 15 feet
- Baggage volume: 77 cubic feet
- Lavatory: Belted
Why the Cessna Citation II Fits Naples
For a client running a short Naples trip inside the type’s range (TEB, HPN, BED, PWK all under 1,300 nautical miles from APF), the Citation II offers a nonstop cabin at a lower hourly rate than newer light jets. Cruise speed of 385 knots means longer block times; guests in a rush should pick a Phenom 300 or CJ3.
APF’s 6,600-foot runway is comfortable for the II on any typical day. Ceiling of 43,000 feet is 2,000 feet below the newer light jets, which shows up as a rougher ride through summer thunderstorm tops on a Nassau day trip that a CJ3 or Encore can top.
Gallery
Vetting Behind Every Trip
Every operator, aircraft, and crew goes through our internal due diligence before we present any options. Our internal standards meet or exceed what the FAA requires:
- FAR Part 135 charter operators for traditional private aircraft, or FAR Part 121 for airliner-size and group trips (or the foreign equivalent on international legs)
- Operator subscription to Wyvern and ARGUS reviewed where the operator participates.
- Pilot experience and operator incident history reviewed before we recommend an aircraft.
- Fewer than 60 brokers worldwide hold Premium Wyvern Broker Member status, and Air Charter Advisors is one of them.
Charter Pricing Reference
Industry hourly rates for the Cessna Citation II run $3,000 to $4,200 per hour as of 7/2026. Actual quotes vary by operator, routing, positioning, and date.
For an APF-to-Nassau day trip the Citation II typically bills 1.5 to 2.0 flight hours block-to-block.
Other Light Jets Available
- Beechjet 400A
- Cessna Citation Bravo
- Cessna Citation CJ2
- Cessna Citation CJ3
- Cessna Citation CJ4
- Cessna Citation Encore
Contact
For a quote on a Cessna Citation II charter in or out of Naples, head to our contact page. For the vetting work behind every trip, see our safety page. To browse cross-category options for the same trip, visit the aircraft directory.
The hourly rates provided are estimates based on 2026 market data and are for informational purposes only. These figures are subject to change and do not constitute a final offer. Final pricing is dynamic and depends on real-time factors including, but not limited to, specific itinerary requirements, aircraft positioning (“ferry” fees), fuel price volatility, and current market availability. These estimates exclude all applicable taxes, de-icing, landing and handling fees, special event fees, international surcharges, overnight crew expenses, and premium catering. Please contact Air Charter Advisors directly for a firm, all-inclusive quote tailored to your specific travel needs.