Textron Aviation Delivers 500th Citation CJ4, Gen3 Nears Certification

Textron Aviation Inc. delivered its 500th Cessna Citation CJ4 series business jet to a customer in the Philippines on August 17, 2026, marking a major production milestone as the manufacturers advances flight testing for the next-generation CJ4 Gen3.

The delivery of the milestone aircraft, a Citation CJ4 Gen2, bridges over a decade of market presence for the light jet family with the upcoming Gen3 variant. In a press release issued today, the company noted the Gen3 model is anticipated to achieve Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification in late 2026.

Milestone delivery and program history

The CJ4 series entered production in 2010. The 500th airframe officially rolled out of Textron Aviation’s Wichita, Kansas, facility in June 2026 before its handover to the Philippine-based operator.

Lannie O’Bannion, Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Textron Aviation, stated that reaching 500 deliveries reflects the platform’s strength and customer trust.

“The Citation CJ4 has set the standard in its class for more than a decade, and with the Citation CJ4 Gen2 and the upcoming Citation CJ4 Gen3, we’re continuing to invest in the innovation, technology and capabilities our customers value most,” O’Bannion said.

Transitioning to the Citation CJ4 Gen3

As the Gen2 production run matures, Textron Aviation is actively testing the Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3. The manufacturer reported that the Gen3 flight test program has accumulated over 880 flight hours across two test articles. The second test article completed its initial flight in May 2025.

During EAA AirVenture Oshkosh on July 21, 2026, the company confirmed the CJ4 Gen3 had finished human factors simulator testing and winglet certification tests. These tests evaluated stalls, handling qualities, and takeoff and landing performance.

Chris Hearne, Senior Vice President of Engineering & Programs, noted that the flight test milestones demonstrate disciplined progress toward bringing next-generation capabilities to the light jet lineup.

Avionics and performance specifications

The upcoming CJ4 Gen3 introduces significant technological upgrades over the Gen2. The flight deck will feature Garmin G3000 PRIME avionics and the Garmin Emergency Autoland system. The autoland system is designed to automatically take control of the aircraft, navigate to a suitable airport, and execute a landing if the pilot becomes incapacitated.

Textron Aviation projects the CJ4 Gen3 will offer a maximum range of 2,165 nautical miles and a maximum payload of 2,200 pounds. The cabin is configured for a maximum seating capacity of 11 occupants and includes a baggage capacity of 1,040 pounds.

AirPro News analysis

We view the integration of Garmin Emergency Autoland into the CJ4 Gen3 as a critical competitive requirement rather than just an incremental upgrade. As single-pilot light jets increasingly adopt autonomous safety nets, offering this capability ensures the Citation line remains attractive to owner-operators who prioritize safety and insurance compliance. The seamless transition from the 500th Gen2 delivery to the impending Gen3 certification indicates Textron Aviation is successfully managing its production bridge without disrupting market momentum.

Sources: Textron Aviation Inc.