Beechcraft Kingair Denali vs Cessna Citation M2
The Beechcraft King Air Denali and the Cessna Citation M2 occupy different aircraft categories and are optimized for different mission profiles. The Denali is a single‑engine turboprop designed to combine high utility with lower operating complexity than light jets, while still offering strong short- and unimproved-field capability typical of turboprops. The Citation M2 is an entry-level light business jet, aimed at faster cruise speeds and higher-altitude operations, generally favoring longer, paved-runway airports. In range, the Denali is expected to provide a solid, mid-to-long turboprop mission radius suitable for regional trips, whereas the Citation M2 typically offers a comparable or somewhat longer practical trip length in many jet missions, with the advantage of higher cruise speeds that reduce block times. For passenger capacity, both are commonly configured for small business groups. The Denali is generally positioned around six to eight occupants depending on layout, while the Citation M2 is typically arranged for about four to six passengers in the cabin, plus crew, emphasizing a compact, efficient executive jet interior.
| Spec | Beechcraft KingAir Denali | Cessna Citation M2 |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.08 | $ 3.45 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 11 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | — |
| Manufacturer | GE® Aerospace | Cessna Citation |
| Aircraft Name | KingAir Denali | M2 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1600 | 1400 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.68 | $ 0.58 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 7 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3280 | 3810 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,111 | $ 1,395 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion | Garmin G3000 |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 285 | 404 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $4,150,000 | $5,150,000 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Flushing | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 11 | 8 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 7 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | AFT |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 5 | 8.5 |
| Galley / Refreshment | No | No |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 11065 | 22027 |
| Crew Rest | — | No |
| Jump Seat | — | No |
| Engine | ||
| Model | Catalyst™ | FJ44-1AP-21 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 2 |
| FADEC | — | Yes |
| TBO (hrs) | — | 3500 |
| Flat Rating | — | ISA + 7 |
| Thrust (lbs) | — | 1965 |
| Fuel Burn (lbph) | — | 516 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 492 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 14.86 | 42.6 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 54.3 | 47.3 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4.5 | 4.8 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.8 | 4.8 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 12.6 | 11 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 4.65 | 14 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 4.1 | 3.1 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 12.6 | 8.8 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 48 | — |
| Aisle Step (ft) | — | 0.4 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 46 |