Textron Aviation Announces Launch Customer, First Flight Of CJ4 Gen3

LAS VEGAS—Textron Aviation announced the first flight of its Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3 prototype along with the launch customer for the upgraded light business jet.

The company announced the news at its static display at Henderson Executive Airport on the eve of the National Business Aviation Association Convention and Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) in Las Vegas. The event runs Oct. 22-24.

The prototype flew for the first time in early October and will now move into the flight-test phase.

Textron Aviation also announced that Ryan Samples, a pilot and founder of BankOnIt, is the launch customer for the first Citation CJ4 Gen3 upgraded light jet. Samples entered a purchase agreement with the company to take delivery of the aircraft, expected to enter service in 2026.

The company also introduced, at NBAA-BACE, the Citation M2 Gen3 and CJ3 Gen3 light jets.

The aircraft is expected to hold a 525 type rating. It will feature the Garmin Emergency Autoland and is the first aircraft announced that will include the recently unveiled Garmin G3000 Prime avionics.

“The first flight of the CJ4 Gen3 prototype aircraft marks a major step forward in the flight-test program, paving the way for future certification and delivery to customers,” says Chris Hearne, Textron Aviation senior vice president of engineering and programs.

Senior flight-test pilot Corey Eckhart and chief test pilot Ed Wenninger report the prototype flew well and performed as anticipated, Hearne says. The aircraft, powered by two Williams International FJ44-4A turbofan engines, took off from the company’s west campus at Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport in Wichita and flew for 1 hr. 47 min. During the flight, the pilots evaluated the new avionics system, the Garmin G3000 Prime, along with the propulsion, environmental and flight control systems.

“The program will now move into a rigorous testing phase, ensuring the aircraft meets the highest performance standards,” Hearne says.

Samples says, that as a pilot and business owner, he is excited to be the launch customer for the aircraft.  “The CJ4 Gen3 is a testament to Textron Aviation’s dedication to excellence, and I can’t wait to elevate our travel capabilities with this remarkable aircraft,” he says.

Samples is an ideal customer for the CJ4 Gen3, says Lannie O’Bannion, Textron Aviation senior vice president of global sales and flight operations. “As a longtime Citation enthusiast, he appreciates the responsive handling, advanced avionics and quality of this jet, and I look forward to him taking delivery of this aircraft and experiencing the advancements of the cockpit.”

The aircraft, which also features Garmin autothrottles, is expected to have a maximum range of 2,165 nm, seating for up to 10 and a 1,040-lb. baggage capacity.