Gen3 Cessna Citation Light Jets Surpass 1,220 Flight Hours

Textron Aviation targets FAA certification for its CJ4 in 2026 and CJ3 and M2 in ’27.

Jack Daleo

Monday, October 19, 2026 at 01:30 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

The Citation CJ4 Gen3, one of two test articles pictured during a recent Garmin Emergency Autoland test, leads the pack with close to 1,100 flight hours. [Credit: Textron Aviation]

Key Takeaways:

Textron Aviation's Citation CJ4 Gen3, CJ3 Gen3, and M2 Gen3 light jets are progressing through flight testing, having accumulated over 1,220 combined hours, with FAA certifications targeted between 2024 (CJ4 Gen3) and 2027 (CJ3 Gen3, M2 Gen3).
A key new feature across all three next-generation Citation models is the integration of Garmin Emergency Autoland, which autonomously guides the aircraft to a safe landing, with the CJ4 Gen3 set to be the first light jet to market with this capability.
Each jet also boasts specific enhancements, including the CJ4 Gen3's advanced G3000 Prime avionics, the CJ3 Gen3's luxurious and customizable cabin, and the M2 Gen3's focus on comfort and productivity features like wireless charging.
These new single-pilot light jets aim to offer modern alternatives, potentially addressing recent changes in FAA single-pilot authorization for previous Citation models.

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Textron Aviation on Monday said its Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3, CJ3 Gen3, and M2 Gen3 test articles have racked up a combined 1,220 flight hours as the three light business jets advance toward FAA certification in 2026 and 2027.

Among other upgrades, the next-generation Citation light jets will feature Garmin Emergency Autoland, which guides the aircraft to a suitable landing site and brings it to a complete stop if activated manually by occupants or automatically due to pilot incapacitation. Textron said the CJ4 Gen3, for which it expects FAA certification this year, will be the first light jet to market with the capability, which it has already begun testing.