Cessna Citation M2 vs Hawker Premier 1A
The Hawker Premier IA (composite light jet, ~451 kt) and Cessna Citation M2 (entry-level light jet, ~404 kt) are both single-pilot-certified light-jet alternatives — the Premier offers a larger composite-fuselage cabin and more speed; the M2 counters with the modern Garmin G3000 cockpit, seven seats, and the largest light-jet support network.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Cessna Citation M2
- For sale now
- 57
- Model years available
- 2013–2024
Hawker Premier 1A
- For sale now
- 21
- Model years available
- 2001–2012
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna Citation M2 | Hawker Premier 1A |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $3,352,500 – $4,297,500 | $1,340,500 – $1,898,500 |
| Category | Light Jet | Light Jet |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 7 | 6 |
| Cruise Speed | 404 kts (748 km/h) | 451 kts (835 km/h) |
| Range | 1,300 nm (2,408 km) | 1,360 nm (2,519 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 41,000 ft (12,497 m) | 41,000 ft (12,497 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 10,700 lbs (4,854 kg) | — |
| Useful Load | 3,100 lbs (1,406 kg) | 3,000 lbs (1,361 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 386.0 gal (1461 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 115.0 GPH (435 L/h) | 150.0 GPH (568 L/h) |
| TBO | 3,500 hrs | — |
| Overhaul Cost | $250,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $250,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $1,600 | — |
| Engines | 2 x Turbofan | 2 x Turbofan |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna Citation M2
Fuel$632/hr
Variable$1,600/hr
Annual Fixed$250,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$570,000/yr
Hawker Premier 1A
Fuel$825/hr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna Citation M2 or Hawker Premier 1A?
Bottom line: Choose the Citation M2 for its modern Garmin G3000 avionics, seven seats, lower operating cost and the comprehensive Cessna support network. Choose the Hawker Premier IA for the larger composite cabin and ~47 kt more speed — accepting thinner parts support (discontinued 2012) and composite-repair considerations. Both are single-pilot certified, so crew requirement is not the deciding factor.
Pick the Citation M2 if…
- More seats — 7 vs 6.
- More inventory — 55 listings vs 25.
Pick the Premier 1A if…
- Budget matters — from $1,340,500 vs $3,352,500, you save ~$2,012,000.
- Faster cruise — 451 kts vs 404 kts.
- Longer range — 1360 nm vs 1300 nm.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the key difference between the Hawker Premier 1A and Citation M2?
Speed/cabin vs economy. The Hawker Premier 1A (Williams FJ44-2A, ~461 kt, ~1,550 nm, 6 seats) is a composite-fuselage light jet with higher speed and a roomy cabin. The Citation M2 (Williams FJ44-1AP, ~400 kt, ~1,550 nm, 7 seats, single-pilot certified) is the entry-level Citation jet — slower, but single-pilot, more seats, and Citation's service network.
Premier 1A or Citation M2 — which light jet?
Buy the Premier 1A if: higher speed (~461 kt) and the Premier's roomy composite cabin are priorities. Buy the Citation M2 if: single-pilot certification, the Citation service network, and 7 seats in an entry jet appeal — typically at lower acquisition cost than the Premier.
What makes the Premier 1A's composite construction notable?
The Premier 1A uses a composite fuselage — unusual for a business jet — contributing to its lighter weight, smooth airframe, and a notably wide cabin for its class. This gives it strong performance per engine, but maintenance requires composite-qualified technicians and a smaller support network than the Citation line.
How do specs compare?
Premier 1A: FJ44-2A, 6 seats, ~461 kt, ~1,550 nm. Citation M2: FJ44-1AP, 7 seats, single-pilot, ~400 kt, ~1,550 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate?
The Citation M2 is less expensive — lower-thrust FJ44-1AP, Citation infrastructure, and single-pilot cost savings. The Premier's higher speed costs more per hour. For owners who fly solo or with a co-pilot, the M2's economics are more accessible.
Which should I buy?
Citation M2 for entry-level single-pilot jet operations with Citation service depth and 7 seats. Premier 1A for composite construction, a wide cabin, and higher speed (~460 kt) — accepting composite maintenance requirements and a smaller operator community.
Which is better, Cessna Citation M2 or Hawker Premier 1A?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Citation M2 cruises at 404 kts with 1,300 nm range.
The Premier 1A cruises at 451 kts with 1,360 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna Citation M2 and Hawker Premier 1A?
Citation M2 engine: WILLIAMS FJ44-1AP-21.
Seats: 7 vs 6.
Cruise: 404 vs 451 kts.
Range: 1300 vs 1360 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Citation M2: about $1600/hr variable cost.
Variable cost includes fuel, reserves and overhaul accruals. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add to the total.
Which has more seats and useful load?
Citation M2: 7 seats / 3,100 lb useful load.
Premier 1A: 6 seats / 3,000 lb useful load.
Useful load = max gross weight minus empty weight; it determines how much fuel plus payload you can carry.
How does maintenance compare — TBO and overhaul cost?
Citation M2: 3,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$250,000.
Reaching the time-between-overhaul (TBO) triggers a mandatory engine/airframe rebuild that affects resale value.
Disclaimer: All prices and cost estimates are from third-party sources for informational purposes only. Always obtain professional appraisal and inspection before purchase.
Prices updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data