Unveiling the First Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3 Light Jet by Textron

Textron Aviation has achieved a significant milestone in the realm of business aviation. The company recently celebrated the factory rollout of the first production unit of the Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3 at its Wichita, Kansas facility. This event signifies a major leap forward as the aircraft progresses towards its entry into customer service.

The third-generation CJ4 is brimming with cutting-edge technology. The most noteworthy of these is the Garmin G3000 PRIME avionics suite and the Garmin Emergency Autoland. This marks a first for the light jet market. The Autoland system is engineered to automatically assume control of the aircraft if the pilot becomes incapacitated. It selects a suitable airport, executes the approach, lands, and brings the plane to a complete stop. The aircraft also has single-pilot certification, making it an attractive option for both owner-operators and corporate flight departments.

Textron Aviation reports that the CJ4 Gen3 boasts impressive specifications. It has a maximum range of 2,165 nautical miles and a maximum cruise speed of 451 knots true airspeed. The aircraft can accommodate up to 11 occupants. Senior Vice President of Manufacturing Operations, Eric Cardinali, stated that the rollout is a testament to “the disciplined execution behind every milestone.”

The CJ4 Gen3 is the largest Citation in the light jet segment. It is projected to enter service later in 2026 or early 2027, subject to the completion of final certification steps.

Source: AIN Online – First Production Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3 Rolls Out