Textron Aviation has officially announced the delivery of the 500th aircraft in the Cessna Citation CJ4 series. The milestone marks more than a decade of strong market performance and customer loyalty for the largest member of the brand’s light business jet lineup, while also providing a solid foundation for the launch of the next-generation Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3. The milestone aircraft was a Citation CJ4 Gen2 delivered to a customer in the Philippines, further highlighting the line’s global market reach.
Reaching the milestone of 500 aircraft delivered further confirms the CJ4’s position as a proven and reliable light business jet for operators seeking an effective balance of performance, operating efficiency, and mission flexibility. The aircraft has gained strong acceptance among both owner-pilots and large corporate fleets worldwide, largely due to its ability to adapt to a wide range of missions, from business travel to specialized operations.
The Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3 is expected to receive certification from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) later this year. The flight-test program has now surpassed 880 flight hours, with two test aircraft involved in the campaign.
The Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3 is the largest aircraft in the Citation family within the light business jet category. Developed with direct input from operators, the Citation CJ4 Gen3 features the new Garmin G3000 PRIME avionics suite, providing intuitive cockpit control while adding an extra layer of safety for pilots and passengers through Garmin Emergency Autoland, an automatic emergency landing system.
The CJ4 Gen3 sets a new benchmark in the segment, offering one of the most comprehensive standard equipment packages in its class. Certified for single-pilot operation, the aircraft combines strong speed and range capabilities with a favorable cost of ownership compared with larger aircraft, making it well suited to both owner-pilot operations and corporate transportation. The CJ4 family is highly regarded for its premium cabin comfort, operational versatility, and ability to perform specialized missions effectively, including air ambulance operations, maritime patrol, search and rescue, and aerial photography.
The Citation CJ4 Gen3 offers a maximum range of up to 4,009.6 km (2,165 nautical miles) and a maximum useful load of 997.9 kg (2,200 lb). The cabin can accommodate up to 11 occupants, while the spacious baggage compartment can carry up to 471.7 kg (1,040 lb), further enhancing the aircraft’s overall performance and operational versatility.
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Source: Textron Aviation