Business Aviation
Textron Aviation Secures SD Aviation Order for Cessna Citation Jets
Textron Aviation receives order from SD Aviation for up to six Cessna Citation jets to support new shared ownership program in Europe and North Africa.
This article is based on an official press release from Textron Aviation.
Textron Aviation has secured a new fleet order from SD Aviation for up to six Cessna Citation light jets, a move designed to bolster Private-Jets travel options across Europe and North Africa. The agreement includes firm orders for two Cessna Citation M2 Gen3 business jets and one Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen2 business jet, alongside options for three additional light jets.
According to the official press release, these new aircraft will serve as the foundation for SD Aviation’s newly launched “SD Share” program. This initiative introduces a shared ownership model for private flights, operating primarily out of the key European hubs of Paris and Cannes.
The SD Share program represents a strategic partnership between SD Aviation and Groupe Dubreuil. Textron Aviation confirmed that initial Deliveries for the newly ordered Citation jets are scheduled to begin in 2027, providing a modern and efficient fleet for the European shared ownership market.
Expanding the European Light Jet Fleet
The selection of the Cessna Citation M2 Gen3 and CJ3 Gen2 highlights a growing demand for versatile light jets capable of navigating Europe’s diverse airport infrastructure. In a company press release, Textron Aviation emphasized that these aircraft are designed to deliver a balance of performance, efficiency, and comfort, making them well-suited for accessing shorter runways across the region.
The new jets will feature luxury interior options, ambient lighting, and wireless charging capabilities. These enhancements aim to provide passengers with a seamless environment tailored for both business and leisure travel, ensuring high standards of comfort on regional routes.
“The Cessna Citation light jets will help SD Aviation serve customers with reliable travel across Europe and beyond,” said Duncan Van De Velde, vice president of Sales for Europe at Textron Aviation. “The M2 Gen3 and CJ3 Gen2 are ideal platforms for private flights, offering the performance and versatility to access a wide range of airports, the efficiency operators depend on and the comfort passengers expect.”
The SD Share Program and Market Strategy
The introduction of the SD Share program marks a significant step for SD Aviation and its partner, Groupe Dubreuil. By basing operations in high-demand locations like Paris and Cannes, the companies are positioning themselves to capture a lucrative segment of the European private aviation market.
Shared ownership models have become increasingly popular as they offer the benefits of private flight without the full financial burden of sole aircraft ownership. The integration of modern, efficient light jets like the Citation series ensures that the program can maintain high dispatch reliability while keeping operational costs manageable for its shared owners.
AirPro News analysis
We view this fleet Orders as a strong indicator of the continued resilience of the European light jet market. The Partnerships between SD Aviation and Groupe Dubreuil to launch a shared ownership program aligns with broader industry trends where fractional and shared ownership models are democratizing access to business aviation.
Furthermore, Textron Aviation’s ability to secure this order for its Gen2 and Gen3 Citation models underscores the Manufacturers strong foothold in the light jet category. The scheduled 2027 delivery timeline suggests that operators are actively planning long-term fleet modernization strategies, anticipating sustained demand for flexible, regional private travel across Europe and North Africa.
Frequently Asked Questions
What aircraft did SD Aviation order?
SD Aviation placed firm orders for two Cessna Citation M2 Gen3 jets and one Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen2 jet, with options for three additional light jets.
When will the new jets be delivered?
According to Textron Aviation, initial deliveries of the aircraft are expected to begin in 2027.
What is the SD Share program?
SD Share is a new shared ownership program for private flights, launched as a partnership between SD Aviation and Groupe Dubreuil. It will be based in Paris and Cannes.
Sources
Photo Credit: Textron Aviation