For travelers who want speed on the crossing without paying for a cabin they will not fill, a light jet is the usual Bahamas recommendation. The Cessna Citation CJ2 is a practical fit for a small party crossing to the islands together.
Cessna (Textron Aviation) built the Cessna Citation CJ2 from 2000 to 2006. The lavatory is belted rather than fully enclosed, which is worth knowing before booking a long leg on it. Every Cessna Citation CJ2 we arrange flies with an operator certified under FAR Part 135, the FAA rules for on-demand, for-hire charter.
Performance and Cabin
- Category: Light Jet
- Manufacturer: Cessna (Textron Aviation)
- Year introduced: 2000-2006
- Seating: 6 to 7
- Crew: 1 to 2
- Range: 1,613 nautical miles
- Cruise speed: 418 knots
- Service ceiling: 45,000 feet
- Length: 47.7 feet
- Wingspan: 49.8 feet
- Height: 13.8 feet
- Baggage volume: 65 cubic feet
- Lavatory: Belted
Why the Cessna Citation CJ2 Fits the Bahamas
For a long weekend in the islands with four or five people and reasonable luggage, this is the category most Bahamas clients end up in.
It carries a small group across to the islands quickly, and the shorter Bahamian fields are generally within reach subject to the operator’s performance numbers.
Working from the published 1,613 nautical miles and leaving margin for wind and reserves, New York, Houston, and Boston are reachable nonstop from Nassau. How much you are carrying and what the winds are doing will move that, which the operator calculates per trip.
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; reports may be provided on request.
- 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 CJ2 run $3,500 to $4,800 per hour as of 8/2026. Actual quotes vary by operator, routing, positioning, and date.
Other Light Jets Available
- Beechjet 400A
- Cessna Citation Bravo
- Cessna Citation CJ3
- Cessna Citation Encore
- Cessna Citation II
- Cessna Citation V
The full light jets category page lists every light jet we arrange for Bahamas trips.
Contact
For a quote on a Cessna Citation CJ2 charter to or from the Bahamas, call +1 (888) 987-5387 or visit 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.