Textron Aviation has confirmed that its next-generation Citation light jet family—the CJ4 Gen3, CJ3 Gen3, and M2 Gen3—is advancing toward FAA certification, with the CJ4 Gen3 expected to receive approval in 2026 and the two smaller models targeting 2027 certification.
The announcement marks a significant acceleration in the company’s product modernization cycle. The CJ4 Gen3 has already accumulated more than 880 flight test hours across two test articles, with recent work including human factors simulator evaluations and critical winglet certification tests covering stalls, handling qualities, takeoff and landing performance. All three aircraft are now in active flight test programs—a milestone reached after the CJ3 Gen3’s first flight on July 29, 2024.
The CJ4 Gen3—First with Garmin G3000 Prime
The flagship CJ4 Gen3 represents the most significant update to Textron’s largest light jet since the introduction of the Gen2 in 2014. It will be the first business jet to feature Garmin’s next-generation G3000 PRIME avionics suite, a touch-screen system offering 40 percent larger secondary displays and significantly greater processing power than current-generation systems.
The aircraft will also be the first Citation equipped with factory-installed winglets—a feature that enhances handling characteristics and performance. The CJ4 Gen3 carries a maximum range of 2,165 nautical miles, maximum payload of 2,200 pounds, and can seat up to 11 occupants in a cabin measuring 17 feet 4 inches in length.
“The 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 of Engineering and Programs at Textron Aviation.
M2 Gen3 and CJ3 Gen3 Complete Critical Milestones
The Citation M2 Gen3—the entry-level jet in the light category—completed its first flight on June 2, 2024. It has since accumulated nearly 20 flight test hours. Powered by two Williams FJ44 engines, the aircraft cruises at 404 knots and has a range of 1,550 nautical miles. The cockpit has been expanded by three inches at the co-pilot’s position, and the cabin now includes premium ambient lighting, wireless charging, and both USB-A and USB-C ports at each seat.
The CJ3 Gen3 made its maiden flight on July 29, 2024, reaching a maximum altitude of 41,000 feet and a maximum speed of 278 knots indicated. During that initial sortie, the aircraft demonstrated the handling qualities and system performance that test teams had projected.
Garmin Emergency Autoland Standard Across Family
All three Gen3 models will feature Garmin Emergency Autoland—a capability that Textron believes represents a monumental leap in aviation safety technology. The aircraft will also share fully integrated Garmin Autothrottles, Runway Occupancy Awareness, and Advanced 3D SafeTaxi for enhanced situational awareness on the flight deck.
Existing Citation owners may eventually benefit from these advances. Textron has indicated that customers operating Citation M2 Gen2 aircraft with autothrottles or CJ3 Gen2 jets will receive a service bulletin detailing retrofit opportunities for Garmin Emergency Autoland once the Gen3 aircraft are certified.
What’s Next
The CJ4 Gen3 remains on track for 2026 FAA certification, positioning deliveries to begin in early 2027. The M2 Gen3 and CJ3 Gen3 teams are currently focused on finalizing runway centerline tracking and brake tuning for the Garmin Emergency Autoland system, with certification targets set for 2027.
The flight test programs are expected to accelerate through the balance of 2026.
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