INDEPENDENCE, Kan. (AP) -- Cessna Aircraft has begun assembly of a new, light business jet at its plant in Independence.

The Wichita Eagle reports (http://bit.ly/VRYdJk ) the first Citation M2 jet is expected to roll of the line in April, with the first delivery of the $4.4 million aircraft slated for third quarter of this year.

Cessna describes the M2 as a natural step up for owners of the smaller Citation Mustang, which is already assembled at the Independence plant. The Citation M2 is larger -- with seating for six passengers and two crew members -- and faster, with a longer range of 1,300 nautical miles.

The forward and aft cabin assemblies and wings are built at Cessna's Wichita plant, then delivered to Independence for final assembly.

The 16-year-old Independence plant has nearly 500 employees.