Textron Aviation announced the future of flight and its legendary Cessna Citation lineup with the unveiling of the next generation of light jets — the Cessna Citation M2 Gen3, CJ3 Gen3 and CJ4 Gen3. (Photo : Textron Aviation)

LAS VEGAS -- Textron Aviation announced the future of flight and its legendary Cessna Citation lineup with the unveiling of the next generation of light jets — the Cessna Citation M2 Gen3, CJ3 Gen3 and CJ4 Gen3. In addition to the revolutionary Garmin Emergency Autoland technology to be used in all three new aircraft, the Citation CJ4 Gen3 features new, next-generation Garmin G3000 PRIME avionics for intuitive, seamless control for pilots. Currently under development, the CJ4 Gen3 is expected to enter into service in 2026, with the M2 Gen3 and CJ3 Gen3 following in 2027.

ptional Enhanced Vision System (EVS) for improved navigation and optimized situational awareness. (Textron Aviation)
Cessna Citation business jets are designed and manufactured by Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company.

Unveiled on the eve of this week’s National Business Aviation Association — Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) in Las Vegas, the Citation Gen3 aircraft bring new levels of confidence and an elevated experience to pilots worldwide. Attendees will enjoy access to a new Citation CJ3 Gen3 mockup and CJ4 Gen3 cockpit mockup debuting during the show at the company’s static display at Henderson Executive Airport.

“Today we unveiled the future of flight and the next generation of Cessna Citation light jets — the M2 Gen3, CJ3 Gen3 and CJ4 Gen3 — to carry on the iconic legacy of the trusted Citation brand while introducing cutting-edge advancements and technology,” said Ron Draper, president and CEO. “With the inclusion of revolutionary Garmin Emergency Autoland technology, as well as all-new Garmin G3000 PRIME avionics in the CJ4 Gen3, these aircraft promise to elevate the flying experience.”

Offering pilots and passengers unparalleled peace of mind

With the addition of Garmin Emergency Autoland to the M2 Gen3, CJ3 Gen3 and CJ4 Gen3, the entire Cessna Citation light jet lineup brings even greater peace of mind to the journey, for both pilots and passengers. All three new aircraft include fully integrated Garmin Autothrottles to provide exceptional levels of protection and effortless precision at every stage of flight. In addition, Runway Occupancy Awareness gives enhanced visibility of runway obstacles and potential runway incursions, and Advanced 3D SafeTaxi displays runways, FBOs and hangars to more easily navigate airports.

“Adding the Garmin Emergency Autoland system to our entire Citation light jet family lineup represents a monumental leap in aviation technology,” Draper said. “As the world's first certified system of its kind, Autoland offers not just an advancement in automated flight capabilities but a profound enhancement in passenger and pilot peace of mind. The system stands as a guardian against loss of control following pilot incapacitation, offering automated emergency communications and landing when needed and providing unparalleled peace of mind to pilots and passengers.”

After certification of the Gen3 aircraft, customers who own a Citation M2 Gen2 with autothrottles or CJ3 Gen2 aircraft will receive a service bulletin about the opportunity to incorporate Garmin Emergency Autoland into their aircraft.

Flying into the future in the new Citation CJ4 Gen3 cockpit

The new Citation CJ4 Gen3, expected to be included under the 525 type rating, elevates the pilot experience and leads the way in the industry as the first to announce inclusion of the new next-generation Garmin G3000 PRIME avionics.

Features of this all-new avionics suite include:

· All primary displays are enhanced, with interactive multi touch technology that let pilots easily zoom and change waypoints and interact with the system
· A new procedure selector allows intuitive, interactive adjustments for approach transitions
· A flat, intuitive menu interface helps pilots easily navigate across avionic systems and flight operations, so everything they need is only a touch away
· Interactive slide-outs on the engine indicating strip let pilots easily access engine and system settings for more efficient, streamlined operations
· Secondary display units are 40% larger than previous versions and allow Linked View to primary displays for easier viewing
· The Garmin Control Unit in the CJ4 Gen3 gives added confidence, allowing pilots to easily assume manual operation of the avionics, giving an alternate method of control.
· Fewer buttons give pilots simplified, streamlined control

In addition, advanced avionics hardware provides faster, more responsive processing, and increased connectivity, while software-based updates help owners and operators easily prepare their aircraft for the future.

“As the first in the industry to announce the next-generation Garmin G3000 PRIME avionics, the CJ4 Gen3 merges sophistication with simplicity, offering advanced features and intuitive, seamless control,” said Lannie O’Bannion, senior vice president, Global Sales and Flight Operations. “This aircraft is designed to keep pilots a step ahead in the cockpit and aids customers in moving seamlessly throughout the entire Citation light jet fleet.”

Putting owners and operators at the center of the journey

The CJ4 Gen3 offers a luxurious experience that incorporates input on what owners and operators value most. Additional new features in the CJ4 Gen3 include:

· Lithium-ion batteries to provide enhanced starting power and elevate reliability for more efficient cold weather operations
· New winglets with enhanced lighting for an elevated ramp presence
· Seamless integration of real-time data with LinxUs to support owners and operators in efficiently planning for maintenance and repairs
· Improved cabin acoustics to create an exceptional experience for everyone on board
· Upgraded flight deck lighting to provide illumination where pilots need it — including map lighting, overhead flood lighting and even side pocket lighting

The new Citation CJ4 Gen3 brings a new level of expectations to the world of light business jets, with the most standard features in its class. The Citation CJ4 Gen3 has nearly 10 percent lower operating costs than its closest competitors, and with class-leading range at any payload, the new aircraft makes the most of any journey.

About the Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3

The Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3 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 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 new Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen3 redefines business aviation with enhancements and designs influenced by passenger and pilot feedback. The new CJ3 Gen3 features a flight deck equipped with the Garmin G3000 avionics system that utilizes Garmin Autothrottles and optional Enhanced Vision System (EVS) for improved navigation and optimized situational awareness. The system also supports Garmin Emergency Autoland capabilities. There is 4.5 inches of additional legroom for pilots, providing greater comfort. The 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.

About the Cessna Citation M2 Gen3

With the introduction of the new Cessna Citation M2 Gen3, Textron Aviation has invested in enhancements that focus on comfort and productivity. The new M2 Gen3 features a flight deck equipped with the Garmin G3000 avionics system that utilizes Garmin Autothrottles and optional Enhanced Vision System (EVS) for improved navigation and optimized situational awareness. The system also supports Garmin Emergency Autoland capabilities. The M2 Gen3 features an interior that prioritizes both pilot and passenger comfort, incorporating premium styling, ambient lighting, remastered illuminated cupholders, and an optional folding side-facing seat that doubles as extra cargo space. Technological upgrades include wireless charging and both USB-A and USB-C ports at each seat, improving productivity. Additionally, the cockpit has been expanded by three inches at the co-pilot's position to provide greater comfort. The cabin entry threshold materials have been upgraded for increased durability.

The Citation M2 Gen3 boasts a maximum range of 1,550 nm and a maximum payload of 1,510 pounds. With 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 comfort and productivity.

About Garmin Emergency Autoland

The Garmin Emergency Autoland system is the world’s first certified system of its kind. It provides an element of assurance and peace of mind for pilots and passengers. The system provides a means for the aircraft to land automatically in the unlikely event of pilot incapacitation. A passenger can also activate the Emergency Autoland system by pressing a dedicated button in the cockpit. Once activated, the system immediately takes control of the aircraft and informs Air Traffic Control of the emergency. It then calculates a flight path to the most suitable airport or runway, while avoiding terrain and adverse weather, initiates a stabilized approach and automatically lands the aircraft, bringing it to a stop before shutting down the engines.