Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3 Reaches New Milestone as Second Test Aircraft Takes Flight
Textron Aviation, a global leader in general aviation and a subsidiary of Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT), has announced a key advancement in the development of its Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3 business jet. The company confirmed the successful first flight of a second test aircraft, designated as “P1,” marking a significant milestone in the program’s progression toward full certification and eventual customer delivery.
The Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3, the latest evolution of the popular Citation CJ4 platform, continues to build on the strong legacy of the Citation brand — known for its performance, comfort, and innovation in the light-jet segment. With the second test article now airborne, Textron Aviation is entering the next phase of a rigorous flight test campaign, which is critical to validating the aircraft’s advanced avionics, improved human factor design, and refined interior configuration.
Second Aircraft Joins Flight Test Campaign
The P1 aircraft is the second unit in the CJ4 Gen3 flight test program, joining the original prototype, which completed its maiden flight in 2024. The latest test platform will primarily be used to evaluate the aircraft’s cutting-edge Garmin G3000® PRIME avionics suite, cabin ergonomics, and interior systems integration.
Textron Aviation reported that the P1 aircraft completed a three-hour and twenty-nine-minute inaugural flight, piloted by James Bearman and Corey Eckhart. The flight focused on general avionics and systems checks, reaching a cruising altitude of 45,000 feet and a top speed of 305 knots. According to Bearman, the aircraft performed exceptionally well, meeting or exceeding all flight expectations and delivering a smooth and stable experience throughout the mission.
“This achievement continues the forward momentum of the CJ4 Gen3 program and reflects the dedication and expertise of our team in designing, certifying, and delivering the best aircraft for our customers,” said Chris Hearne, senior vice president of Engineering & Programs at Textron Aviation. “By adding this test article to our flight test program, we are continuing rigorous testing as we work toward certification.”
Designed for the Next Generation of Business Aviation
Unveiled at the 2024 National Business Aviation Association – Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), the CJ4 Gen3 represents a significant upgrade over its predecessor. The aircraft features a reimagined flight deck centered on Garmin’s advanced G3000 PRIME avionics platform, which provides pilots with an intuitive, integrated operating environment. Enhancements include touchscreen displays, improved situational awareness tools, and streamlined controls for reduced pilot workload.
The CJ4 Gen3 is designed to empower pilots with better decision-making tools and increased operational efficiency. With features such as synthetic vision, advanced weather overlays, and wireless connectivity, the aircraft aligns with modern cockpit expectations for both single-pilot and dual-crew operations.
“The CJ4 Gen3 redefines what pilots can expect in a light jet,” Hearne added. “It combines the trusted performance and reliability of the CJ4 platform with state-of-the-art technology, making it not only a pilot’s aircraft but also a comfortable, high-performance solution for business and personal travel.”
Focus on Comfort and Passenger Experience
Beyond its cockpit advancements, the CJ4 Gen3 is engineered to elevate the in-flight experience for passengers. The aircraft includes a redesigned cabin with upgraded materials, configurable seating arrangements, and a refreshed interior aesthetic aimed at improving both luxury and functionality. Enhanced lighting, noise reduction measures, and updated environmental controls contribute to a quieter, more pleasant journey.
The flight test program for P1 will pay particular attention to cabin integration, human factors analysis, and passenger comfort metrics. Textron Aviation’s goal is to ensure that the CJ4 Gen3 not only meets performance benchmarks but also exceeds customer expectations for interior sophistication and ergonomic design.
The new Gen3 variant maintains the CJ4’s reputation for impressive range and fuel efficiency. With a maximum range of approximately 2,165 nautical miles and the ability to access shorter runways, the CJ4 Gen3 is ideal for a wide variety of missions—from coast-to-coast business trips to regional hops and remote access locations.
Timeline to Certification and Entry into Service
Textron Aviation is targeting 2026 for the entry into service (EIS) of the CJ4 Gen3, pending the successful completion of flight testing and certification. With two aircraft now actively engaged in developmental operations, the company is steadily moving through its validation and verification process.
The inclusion of a second test article significantly accelerates the overall program timeline by enabling simultaneous testing streams. While one aircraft may focus on avionics and system checks, the other can complete testing related to human factors and passenger systems, maximizing efficiency in the lead-up to certification.
Textron Aviation’s comprehensive certification roadmap includes thousands of hours of ground and flight testing, simulation validation, system redundancies, and regulatory compliance across all operational parameters. The final goal is not only FAA certification, but also achieving approvals from key international regulatory agencies in markets where the CJ4 Gen3 is expected to perform strongly, such as Europe, Latin America, and the Asia-Pacific region.
A Legacy of Citation Excellence
The CJ4 Gen3 builds upon the legacy of the Citation family, which has become the most delivered line of business jets in the world. Since its inception, the Citation brand has focused on delivering a compelling combination of performance, reliability, and operating economics — qualities that have made it the go-to choice for flight departments, charter operators, and private owners alike.
The original CJ4, introduced in 2010, brought increased range, enhanced speed, and upgraded systems to the light-jet segment. With the Gen3 variant, Textron Aviation seeks to maintain the platform’s core strengths while modernizing it for a new generation of pilots and passengers. The CJ4 Gen3 leverages years of feedback from customers and operational data to deliver an aircraft that balances innovation with trusted capability.
With more than 7,500 Citation jets delivered globally, Textron Aviation has deep experience in supporting its products throughout their lifecycle. Customers purchasing the CJ4 Gen3 will benefit from the company’s extensive global service network, which includes factory-owned service centers, mobile service units, and 24/7 technical support.
Meeting Market Demand for Modern Light Jets
The announcement of the CJ4 Gen3 comes at a time when demand for business aviation continues to remain strong, particularly in the light-jet segment. Economic uncertainty, changing travel patterns, and growing interest in point-to-point air mobility have all contributed to the rising importance of efficient, comfortable, and technologically advanced aircraft like the CJ4 Gen3.
Textron Aviation believes that the CJ4 Gen3 is uniquely positioned to meet the evolving needs of corporate flight departments, high-net-worth individuals, and fractional ownership operators looking for the next level of capability in a compact, single-pilot certified jet.
As the flight test program progresses, industry observers will be watching closely to see how the CJ4 Gen3 performs against competitor offerings. With a proven platform, enhanced technology, and a strong brand pedigree, the CJ4 Gen3 is shaping up to be a significant contender in the next generation of light business jets.