We Fly: Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen 2

The flagship CJ just got a whole lot better.

Pia Bergqvist

Tuesday, February 08, 2022 at 12:14 PM ET

Verified

CJs share a fuselage tube, T-tail and engines (thrust varies). [Photo: Glenn Watson]

Key Takeaways:

The Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen2 is the latest upgrade in the 525-series business jet line, launched 15 years after the original CJ4, designed to incorporate customer feedback and enhance legacy products.
It features significant passenger comfort improvements including redesigned airstairs, new comfortable seating for up to 11, an upgraded galley, and advanced cabin controls for lighting and window shades.
The CJ4 Gen2 boasts exceptional utility and performance, offering a long range of up to 2,140 nm, speeds up to 451 ktas, and an operating altitude of 45,000 feet, making it highly capable for diverse business travel needs.
Pilots operate the aircraft with the advanced Collins Pro Line 21 avionics suite, featuring crisp LCD displays, full navigation, digital ATIS, and pre-departure clearance capabilities, all certified for single-pilot operations.

See a mistake? Contact us.

October 16, 2006, was my first day as manager of communications at Cessna Aircraft Co. It happened to be media day at the National Business Aircraft Association’s annual Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition, and it was my first time at this highly sophisticated show.

Cessna’s booth was extravagant, with massive TV screens showing video clips of Citation jets flying in front of beautiful backgrounds, highlighted by dramatic music. Then-president and CEO Jack Pelton announced three new airplanes that day, so it was a busy day for the communications team to say the least. One of the airplanes we announced was the Citation CJ4.