Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen2 Unveiled at NBAA Preview

The flight deck on the Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen2 features updates to the Garmin G3000 suite, including an autothrottle. [Courtesy of Textron Aviation]

In a preview event in September, Textron Aviation unveiled its latest addition to the Gen2 series, the Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen2. The new light jet builds on the popular CJ platform with an update to Garmin G3000, autothrottle, and multiple enhancements to the flight deck and cabin interior.

The CJ3 Gen2 mock-up will be featured on the static display at the National Business Aviation Association’s Business Aviation Conference & Expo this week in Las Vegas.

The CJ3 brings together several important changes determined through an extensive customer feedback process, as outlined in the briefing ahead of the show. Key updates include:

An added 4.5 inches of extra legroom for the pilot
Integrated autothrottle technology
Connectivity via Garmin’s GDL60 streaming
Optional enhanced vision system (EVS)
Swivel seating
RGB accent lighting
USB-C power at every seat
Wireless charging
Executive tables
Ample storage
Externally serviceable lavatory featuring CoolView skylights for natural light
Optional modern sink and vanity

The passenger experience upgrades align the new CJ3 Gen2 with other Cessna Citations in the series. [Courtesy of Textron Aviation]

The side panels include upgraded passenger amenity centers with use of sustainable materials throughout. [Courtesy of Textron Aviation]

The CJ3 Gen2 features additional options for a forward refreshment center with gold accents. [Courtesy of Textron Aviation]

The updated seats on the CJ3 Gen2 swivel for increased access in the cabin. [Courtesy of Textron Aviation]

The Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen2 joins the fleet of upgraded platforms in a very popular light jet series. [Courtesy of Textron Aviation]

flyExclusive Is Launch Customer

At the press conference Monday in Las Vegas, Textron Aviation announced that flyExclusive will be the first to receive the Citation CJ3 Gen2 when it is projected to enter into service in 2025.

The private jet services provider adds to the ambitious fleet modernization program it announced in 2022, including 30 CJ3+ platforms. FlyExclusive operates a fleet of Cessna Citations, including the Citation X, Citation Sovereign, Citation Excel/ XLS, Citation CJ3 /CJ3+, and Citation Encore and Encore+ models.

“FlyExclusive customers expect the best, and we believe the best planes money can buy are built and serviced by Textron Aviation,” said Jim Segrave, founder, chairman, and CEO of flyExclusive. “We take pride in being the fleet launch customer for the Citation CJ3 Gen 2, building on our decades-long relationship with Textron Aviation. I am excited that our fractional customers will get to invest and travel in the top light jet in the world.”

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Julie BoatmanContributor

Based in Maryland, Julie Boatman is an aviation educator and author. She holds an airline transport pilot certificate with Douglas DC-3 and CE510 (Citation Mustang) type ratings. She's a CFI/CFII since 1993, specializing in advanced aircraft and flight instructor development.