Textron Aviation Reaches Milestone with 500th Cessna Citation CJ4 Series Delivery

Textron Aviation has announced the delivery of its 500th Cessna Citation CJ4 series aircraft, a major milestone for the company. The achievement was marked with the delivery of a Citation CJ4 Gen2 aircraft to a customer in the Philippines. This milestone is a testament to the popularity of the Citation CJ4 series, which has become one of the best-selling families of private jets since its launch in 2006.

## History of the Citation CJ4 Series The Citation CJ4 series has a long history, dating back to 2006 when it was first launched. The first flight of the aircraft took place in 2008, and since then, it has become a staple in the private jet market. With its sleek design and advanced technology, the Citation CJ4 series has set the standard in its class for over a decade.

## Production and Delivery Textron Aviation is currently delivering around 30 CJ4s per year, a significant production rate for the company. It has been just over three years since the 400th Cessna CJ4 delivery, which was made to US industrial conglomerate Koch Holdings in April 2023. The company's ability to maintain a consistent production rate is a testament to its commitment to meeting customer demand.

## Future Developments Textron Aviation is already working on the next iteration of the Citation CJ4 series, the Citation CJ4 Gen3. This new version will feature Garmin G3000 PRIME avionics and the Garmin Emergency Autoland safety system, further enhancing the aircraft's capabilities. According to Lannie O'Bannion, Textron Senior Vice President for Sales & Marketing, the company is continuing to invest in innovation, technology, and capabilities that customers value most. The Citation CJ4 Gen3 is currently undergoing flight testing and is expected to receive its type certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) before the end of 2026.

The Citation CJ4 Gen3 will be the largest version of the Citation CJ4 series to date, with the ability to carry up to nine passengers and two pilots. With its advanced technology and increased capacity, the Citation CJ4 Gen3 is expected to be a popular choice among customers. As Textron Aviation continues to innovate and improve its products, it is likely that the company will remain a leader in the private jet market for years to come.