Press release
21/07/2026
Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. company, today announced continued progress across the Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3, Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen3 and Cessna Citation M2 Gen3 light jet programmes, advancing the company's next-generation light jet portfolio toward Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification. The Citation CJ4 Gen3 and the Citation M2 Gen3 are currently in the flight test phase of development.
All three of the light jets will feature the revolutionary Garmin Emergency Autoland, bringing even greater peace of mind to the journey for both pilots and passengers. The CJ4 Gen3 also features next-generation Garmin G3000 PRIME avionics, bringing intuitive, seamless control to the flight deck.
"The Citation CJ4 Gen3 and Citation M2 Gen3 flight test milestones reflect the disciplined progress our teams are making as we bring next-generation capability to the Citation light jet lineup," said Chris Hearne, senior vice president, Engineering & Programs. "Based on customer feedback, the Gen3s bring new levels of confidence and an elevated experience to pilots worldwide while providing owners and passengers with the performance, comfort and productivity they expect from a Citation."
The Citation CJ4 Gen3 programme has accumulated more than 880 flight test hours across two test articles. Recently completed testing includes Human Factors simulator tests and winglet certification tests for stalls, handling qualities, takeoff and landing performance. The aircraft continues toward expected FAA certification this year.
The Citation CJ3 Gen3 programme is expected to achieve first flight soon, as it advances through its certification programme toward its expected entry into service of 2027. With nearly 20 flight test hours completed following the recent first flight, the Citation M2 Gen3 is also expected to enter into service in 2027. As the programme kicks off its flight test phase, the team is currently focused on developing the runway centreline tracking and brake tuning of Garmin Emergency Autoland.
About the Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3
The Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3 is the largest Citation aircraft in the light jet segment. The single-pilot aircraft combines superior speed, range and operating economics compared to some larger aircraft, making it the ideal platform for owner/operators or corporate missions. The CJ4 is valued by customers around the world for luxury and productivity, as well as a wide range of missions including air ambulance, maritime patrol, search and rescue and aerial survey.
The Citation CJ4 Gen3 is expected to feature a maximum range of 2,165 nm and a maximum payload of 2,200 pounds. With seating for up to 11 occupants and a 1,040-pound baggage capacity, the aircraft offers superior performance and versatility.
About the Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen3
The Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen3 cabin offers a customisable, luxurious space with amenities like swivel seating, RGB accent lighting and modern connectivity options, alongside a naturally lit lavatory with optional upscale features.
The Citation CJ3 Gen3 features a maximum range of 2,040 nm and a maximum payload of 2,135 pounds. With standard seating for up to 10 occupants and a 1,000-pound baggage capacity, the aircraft offers excellent range, payload and superior field performance to enable pilots to achieve a variety of missions.
About the Cessna Citation M2 Gen3
The Cessna Citation M2 Gen3 focuses on comfort and productivity for both pilot and passengers while offering an interior that incorporates premium styling, ambient lighting, illuminated cupholders and an optional folding side-facing seat that doubles as extra cargo space. Cabin technology includes wireless charging and both USB-A and USB-C ports, supporting passenger productivity.
The Citation M2 Gen3 boasts a maximum range of 1,550 nm and a maximum payload of 1,510 pounds. Featuring a seating capacity for up to eight occupants and a baggage capacity of up to 725 pounds, the M2 Gen3 is an entry-level jet with a focus on passenger confidence, comfort and productivity.