In the world of aviation, pilots often find themselves at crossroads where upgrading to a different aircraft type becomes not just a desire, but a strategic move. One such transition gaining traction among owner pilots lately is the shift from a Meridian (or other PA-46 turboprop variant such as the M500 or the M600) to a Citation Jet. This evolution isn’t merely about upgrading to a sleeker, faster aircraft; it’s a decision grounded in practicality, efficiency, and enhanced capabilities.

The Citation Jet has long been synonymous with reliability, performance, and versatility. These light jets are renowned for their docile handling qualities, speed, high dispatch rates, and ability to operate effectively in various conditions, making them a favorite among owner pilots.

Some of the primary reasons owner pilots opt for a Citation Jet is speed and the ability to climb above weather. For time-sensitive travelers, this can translate into more productive hours, less stops, quicker turnarounds between meetings or destinations, the safety factor involved in operating two engines instead of one, and (let’s be honest), the feel of opening that door and stepping out of your very own jet. Moreover, the efficiency of the Citation Jet in terms of operational costs often surprises pilots transitioning from turboprops.

From a market perspective, now is an opportune moment to transition from a Meridian to a Citation Jet. In Q2 of this year, Meridian sales were up significantly, and the Meridian inventory was as low as it has been since the end of 2022/beginning of 2023.   We are seeing an influx of owner pilots advancing from high performance pistons such as the Cirrus SR22 line into the Meridians as a stepping stone for a soon-to-be jet purchase. Meridians with good pedigrees are fetching top values while the pre-owned Citation 525 market is not currently as strong. Citation Jet sales have been somewhat consistent, but, overall, we have noticed a softening in average prices and a rise in inventory over the past year. The Citation Jet market is currently offering attractive deals for well-appointed aircraft with good maintenance history. This is a unique time where sellers can maximize the value of their turboprop and make a more financially lateral move into jet ownership. 

Transitioning from a turboprop to a CJ represents not just a change in aircraft type, but a leap forward in terms of performance, efficiency, safety, and capability. Seizing the opportunity to make this transition now could set you on a path to greater efficiency and enjoyment in your flying endeavors…all while feeling good about maximizing value. 

If you have any questions regarding piston, turboprop, or Citation Jet transitions, please reach out to [email protected]. We love helping our clients realize their aviation dreams.