Saad Wallan, chairman of Wallan Aviation says the aircraft, with its range extending blended winglets, allows for non-stop travel between Riyadh and London at the Citation X's signature high-speed cruise at Mach .92.
The newly introduced winglets add a 15kt boost in cruise speed and 545kg more payload at hot and high airports, as well as a 280 km (150nm) increase in range.
Along with a reduced time to climb, Cessna says the winglets also reduce fuel consumption by 4-5% for long range missions.
With Sunday's delivery to Wallan, the aircraft will immediately enter service following the show.
Wallan Aviation operates a fleet of Cessna aircraft and is the company's authorized sales representative and authorized Citation Service Center in the Middle East.
The US Federal Aviation Administration certified the retrofit of the winglet for the Citation X in June and includes the replacement of the existing anti-collision and position light system with LED versions.
As a previous order holder for the super midsize Columbus business jet that was cancelled by Cessna in July, Wallan says that even with the downturn that sidelined the new aircraft, his company has found a silver lining that has made the substitution of the Citation X ideal.
Wallan says that his company has benefitted from the downturn, in that previous operators of large-cabin BBJ and Gulfstream aircraft have opted for a smaller aircraft like the Citation X for their travel needs.
Wallan says that the dust has now settled following the sharp downturn in business jet travel, adding that the Dubai Air Show represents a barometer for the industry.
"We have a lot of faith in this show to show us the direction," says Wallan.
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