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

Textron Aviation’s three Cessna Citation Gen3 light jets are advancing toward FAA certification, having logged more than 1,220 combined flight-test hours, the company said Monday at NBAA-BACE 2026. Textron expects all three twinjets to enter service next year.
Each of the Gen3 models features Garmin Emergency Autoland, which can guide the aircraft to a suitable airport and bring it to a full stop if the pilot becomes incapacitated or another emergency arises. According to Textron, the CJ4 Gen3 will become the first light jet to reach the market with the system.
Nearly 1,100 of the flight-test hours belong to the CJ4 Gen3, which has two test aircraft in the program. Recent testing has covered electrical systems and hot-weather performance for certification. This week, the Wichita-based airframer also announced the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2026-10-20/first-production-cessna-citation-cj4-gen3-rolls-out">rollout of the first production CJ4 Gen3</a>.
As the largest Citation model in the light jet segment, the CJ4 serves owner-operators and corporate flight departments, as well as air ambulance, maritime patrol, search-and-rescue, and aerial survey operations. The Gen3 version gets more capable Garmin G3000 Prime avionics. Textron projects a maximum range of 2,165 nm, 451-ktas top cruise speed, seating for up to 11 occupants, and a 6,930-pound useful load.
Testing on the CJ3 Gen3 has passed 60 hours, with its single test aircraft now evaluating landing and braking performance. The cabin features swivel seats, RGB accent lighting, connectivity options, and a lavatory skylight that provide natural lighting. Textron lists a maximum range of 2,040 nm, a maximum payload of 2,135 pounds, seating for up to 10 occupants, and room for 1,000 pounds of baggage.
The M2 Gen3, the smallest of the three Citation models, first flew in June and has logged more than 75 hours. Its program will soon begin simulated en route Autoland activations, testing the full sequence from airport selection through landing and stopping.&nbsp;
In the cabin, the M2 Gen3 gains ambient lighting, illuminated cupholders, wireless charging for personal devices, USB-A/C ports, and an optional side-facing seat that folds to hold cargo. The airplane will offer a maximum range of 1,550 nm, 1,510-pound maximum payload, seating for up to eight occupants, and up to 725 pounds of baggage capacity.

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