After 11 years in production, Cessna recently announced that they will cease production of the Citation Mustang. This is an interesting move as the Mustang has been a very popular seller, with over 475 produced and delivered in that time. It was a strong competitor in the very light jet segment, popular with private owners and charter operators alike. Famous for its ease of flying and remarkably low maintenance and operating costs, this was an aircraft that introduced many to the world of private jet ownership.
So why is Cessna ceasing production? The easy answer is slow sales, but I think the more likely answer is that it is likely competing with Cessna’s own product in the M2. The M2 will be the new entry to Textron’s jet ownership, itself a lower cost and improved version of the CJ1+. Since the debut of the M2, Mustang sales have significantly declined while the M2 has been one of Cessna’s highest volume products selling 38 in 2016 and 41 in 2015. Targeted at similar niches, we suspect that Cessna did not want to compete with itself and instead chose to shut down production of the aircraft with a lower price tag and presumably lower margins.
Interestingly, the owner pilot segment, in which the Mustang was most heavily promoted, is getting more crowded with new entrants such as the Cirrus Jet and the One Aviation’s Project Canada model coming soon. With already slower sales and a competitive field in the works, Cessna made the choice to leave the Mustang and focus on its larger line.
The Mustang made jet ownership more attainable for a number of individuals and was a great model for people to have their first experience in owning a private jet, something that our industry sorely needs. Fortunately, the remaining Mustangs will be in service for many years to come.
