Textron celebrates 500th Cessna Citation CJ4 rollout as Gen3 era approaches

Textron Aviation has rolled out the 500th Cessna Citation CJ4 - a CJ4 Gen2 - marking over a decade of strong demand for the popular single-pilot business jet.

The milestone comes ahead of the upcoming CJ4 Gen3, which is expected to receive FAA certification this year.

“This milestone reflects the people behind every aircraft we deliver,” said Brad White, senior vice president, Manufacturing. “Our employees bring exceptional craftsmanship, care and consistency to the production line each day. Their dedication to building the future of flight is what makes achievements like this 500th CJ4 possible and what continues to earn the trust of our customers.”

The rollout was celebrated with employees from across the Citation CJ4 production line, recognizing the team whose skill, precision and pride in their work are essential to every aircraft delivered. Their commitment to quality and continuous improvement at each stage of production ensures customers receive an aircraft they can depend on to support their missions.

“For more than a decade, customers around the world have chosen the CJ4 for its combination of performance, ease of operation and confidence in the cockpit,” said Lannie O’Bannion, senior vice president, Sales & Marketing. “Reaching 500 aircraft built demonstrates the strength of this platform and reinforces our continued investment in the light jet market as we prepare to bring the CJ4 Gen3 to customers.”

Since its introduction in 2010, the Citation CJ4 series has built a strong reputation among owner-operators and fleet customers worldwide, supporting a wide range of business and special mission profiles. The aircraft’s reliability, productivity and single-pilot capability have made it a trusted business tool across global markets.

Building on that foundation, the Citation CJ4 Gen3 introduces advanced technologies designed to elevate the pilot experience and enhance peace of mind, including Garmin G3000 PRIME avionics and Garmin Emergency Autoland. It offers a luxurious experience for owners and operators, bringing a new level of expectations to the light jet with the most standard features in its class. These updates reflect customer feedback and lessons learned from nearly 500 aircraft delivered, further advancing the CJ4 platform for the future.

BlueSky Business Aviation News | 4th June 2026 | Issue #845