Textron rolls out first production Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3
The light business jet is on track for entry into service in 2027, with fintech entrepreneur Ryan Samples as the launch customer.
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Textron Aviation has rolled out the first production Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3 from its manufacturing facility in Wichita, Kansas, ahead of planned entry into service in 2027.
The rollout represents a significant step toward delivery of the aircraft. Two test articles have accumulated nearly 1,100 flight hours to date, up from 880 hours in July, and have completed hot weather and electrical system certification testing. The aircraft is expected to be the first light jet to market with Garmin Emergency Autoland.
Ryan Samples, founder and former president and CEO of fintech company BankOnIT, is the launch customer. Textron announced Samples as the first owner in October 2024. According to Lannie O'Bannion, Textron's senior vice president of global sales and flight operations, Samples is a "longtime Citation enthusiast." Samples is also a 30-year member and trustee of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and operates a Beechcraft V35 Bonanza, CubCrafters Carbon Cub, and ICON A5 in addition to the CJ4.
Development and specifications
Textron unveiled the twin-engine, single-pilot CJ4 Gen3 in October 2024 and announced its first prototype flight the same day. The aircraft was initially slated for a 2026 service entry but that timeline has been revised to 2027.
The CJ4 Gen3 adds Garmin Autoland, Autothrottle, and the new G3000 Prime flight deck, designed to simplify pilot workflow and enhance situational awareness with touchscreen technology, advanced displays, and streamlined controls. AeroTime reports the aircraft will feature a maximum range of 2,165 nautical miles, seating for up to 11 occupants, and a 6,930-pound useful load.
In October 2024, Textron announced that it was developing a new series of light jets: the Cessna Citation M2 Gen3, CJ3 Gen3, and CJ4 Gen3. The CJ4 Gen3 represents the next evolution of Textron Aviation's largest Citation light jet.
Samples said in a video shared by Textron that the aircraft offers "the perfect combination of performance, range, speed, and useful load," and that "the economics make sense—it's not just about having a high-performance aircraft, but about having one that's efficient and sustainable for business operations."
Sources
Textron Rolls Out First Citation CJ4 Gen3 Production Unit · Accessed 2026-10-21T19:00:00+00:00
Textron rolls out first production Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3 executive jet · Accessed 2026-10-20T14:23:00+00:00