WICHITA, Kan. (October 19, 2026) — Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, today announced the Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3, Citation CJ3 Gen3 and Citation M2 Gen3 programs have accumulated more than 1,220 combined flight test hours as the company continues to advance the next generation of Citation light jets toward Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification.
All three Citation Gen3 aircraft provide next-generation capability, pilot-focused innovation and added customer confidence. Each aircraft features Garmin Emergency Autoland, a revolutionary system which, if activated in the event of a pilot incapacitation or another emergency, guides the aircraft to a suitable landing site and brings it to a complete stop. The Citation CJ4 Gen3 is expected to be the first light jet to market with this capability. The program has logged nearly 1,100 flight test hours across two test articles; recent activities include hot weather and electrical system certification testing.
Reaching more than 60 flight test hours, the Citation CJ3 Gen3 program is currently focusing on landing and braking performance on the test article. The Citation M2 Gen3 has accumulated more than 75 hours, and the program is nearing the start of simulated enroute emergency activation including airport selection and autoland to a full stop.
About the Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3
The Cessna Citation CJ4 is the largest Citation aircraft in the light jet segment. The single-pilot certified aircraft combines superior speed, range and operating economics compared to 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 CJ4 Gen3 offers pilots next-generation Garmin G3000 PRIME avionics, with intuitive, seamless control to the flight deck. Bringing a new level of expectations to the world of light business jets, the CJ4 Gen3 offers the most standard features in its class.
The Citation CJ4 Gen3 is expected to feature a maximum range of 2,165 nm and a maximum cruise speed of 451 ktas. With seating for up to 11 occupants and a 6,930-pound useful load, the aircraft offers superior performance and versatility.
For more information, visit: cessna.txtav.com/cj4-gen3.
About the Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen3
The Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen3 cabin offers a customizable, 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.
To learn more about the Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen3, visit https://cessna.txtav.com/citation/cj3-gen3.
About the Cessna Citation M2 Gen3
With the introduction of the new Cessna Citation M2 Gen3, Textron Aviation invested in enhancements that focus on comfort and productivity for both pilot and passengers. The M2 Gen3 interior 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.
To learn more about the Cessna Citation M2 Gen3, visit https://cessna.txtav.com/en/citation/m2-gen3
About Textron Aviation Inc.
We have been inspiring the journey of flight for nearly 100 years. Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. company, has empowered our collective talent across the Beechcraft, Cessna, Hawker and Pipistrel brands to design and deliver the best aviation experience for our customers. With a range that includes everything from business jets, turboprops, light and high-performance pistons, to special mission, military trainer and defense aircraft, Textron Aviation has the most versatile and comprehensive aviation product portfolio in the world and a workforce that has produced more than half of all general aviation aircraft worldwide. Customers in more than 170 countries rely on our legendary performance, reliability and versatility, along with our trusted global customer service network, for affordable, productive and flexible flight. For more information, visit www.txtav.com.
About Textron Inc.
Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell, Cessna, Beechcraft, Pipistrel, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, and Textron Systems. For more information, visit: www.textron.com.
Certain statements in this press release may project revenues or describe strategies, goals, outlook or other non-historical matters; these forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update them. These statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the efficacy of research and development investments to develop new products or unanticipated expenses in connection with the launching of significant new products or programs; the timing of our new product launches or certifications of our new aircraft products; our ability to keep pace with our competitors in the introduction of new products and upgrades with features and technologies desired by our customers; changes in government regulations or policies on the export and import of our products; volatility in the global economy or changes in worldwide conditions that adversely impact demand for our products; and performance issues with key suppliers or subcontractors.