Hanneke Weitering is a writer and editor with AIN covering advanced air mobility and new flight technologies. She became an aviation journalist and joined the AIN team in the summer of 2022 after reporting on spaceflight and astronomy for six years at Space.com. After earning a bachelor’s degree in physics from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, she moved to New York City to pursue a master’s degree in science, health, and environmental reporting at New York University&#039;s Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute. After spending several years in the Pacific Northwest, she has returned to the Knoxville area.

Science & Technology Editor

Cessna Citation 525, CitationJet, CJ1, CJ2, CJ3, CJ4, and M2 Series

Hanneke Weitering

The first production-representative Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3 has rolled out of Textron Aviation’s factory in Wichita, bringing the updated light jet closer to service entry, the company announced on Tuesday morning.
Textron <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2024-10-21/cj4-gen3-first-garmin-g3000-prime-avionics-suite">launched the Gen3 at NBAA-BACE 2024</a> as the latest version of its largest Citation CJ light jet family, adding touchscreen Garmin G3000 Prime avionics, redesigned winglets, and cabin refinements.
The first Gen3 prototype flew in 2024, followed in May 2025 by a second test aircraft (P1) focused on avionics and human factors. When Textron <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2026-08-18/textron-delivers-500th-cj4-gen3-nears-certification">delivered its 500th CJ4</a> in August, the company said the two test jets had logged more than 880 hours.
According to Textron, the CJ4 Gen3 will be the first light jet on the market with Garmin Autoland. The system can take control of the airplane if the pilot becomes incapacitated, select a suitable airport, and land there.
Expected performance specifications for the CJ4 Gen3 include a 2,165-nm range, a maximum cruise speed of 451 ktas, and a 6,930-pound useful load, with seating for up to 11 occupants.&nbsp;
“This rollout is a visible result of the care, precision, and teamwork that move an aircraft from design intent to a production-ready airplane,” said Eric Cardinali, Textron Aviation’s senior v-p of manufacturing operations.

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

Textron Aviation Rolls Out First Citation CJ4 Gen3 Production Aircraft

Updated light jet could enter service next year

The first production Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3 has rolled out of the factory in Wichita, Kansas, bringing the updated light jet closer to service entry.

First Production Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3 Rolls Out

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In this article

Cessna Citation 525/CJ Series

Textron Aviation

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