Hamburg-based charter operator Platoon Aviation has signed a purchase agreement with Textron Aviation for multiple Cessna Citation Longitude business jets, which it said will make it the largest Citation Longitude fleet operator in Europe.
The aircraft are expected to enter service from early 2027 and will complement Platoon’s existing fleet of 12 Pilatus PC-24 light jets. Like the PC-24s, the Longitudes will operate on a floating fleet model across Europe and the Middle East, with no fixed home base. The company did not disclose the number of aircraft ordered.
The Citation Longitude has a range of 3,500nm (6,482km) and a full-fuel payload of 1,600lb (726kg). Its cabin features a stand-up height of 6ft (1.83m), a flat floor and seating for up to nine passengers with fully berthable seats and a divan. The aircraft is powered by Honeywell HTF7700L engines.
“The Citation Longitude fleet expansion reflects our commitment to building a future-proof, next-generation aviation platform that combines operational efficiency, sustainability and uncompromising comfort,” said Deniz Weissenborn, CEO of Platoon Aviation.
Lannie O’Bannion, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Textron Aviation, said: “Platoon Aviation has built a strong reputation across Europe, and we are proud to support their growth with an aircraft that delivers efficiency, comfort and reliability for both operators and passengers.”
Platoon Aviation was founded in 2021 and operates on an ad hoc charter basis, working principally with brokers worldwide.