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Textron Aviation is displaying the Citation CJ3 Gen2 this week at NBAA-BACE 2026 in Las Vegas. "It's the very first time we're displaying it to the public, outside of our normal demo activity," Jimmy Beeson, the company's vice president of product development, told GlobalAir.com.Textron unveiled the Gen2 in October 2023, with FlyExclusive as launch customer. But with three years under its belt, it has yet to make an appearance on the big stage — until now. The Gen2 sits one step behind the upcoming Gen3, which is expected to enter service in 2027. Beeson said Textron is working on a service bulletin that will let Gen2 customers add Garmin Emergency Autoland and bring the airplane up to the same equipment standard as the Gen3. Textron has said the bulletin will follow Gen3 certification, and no date has been announced.Beeson said the appearance helps "set the stage" for the Gen3's arrival. The CJ3 Gen3's first flight took place on July 29, 2026, the final model of the Gen3 light jet trio to enter flight testing alongside the M2 and CJ4.What Textron changed in the CJ3 Gen2Beeson called it "the most comprehensive CJ refresh we've done," and the list runs tip to tail. Starting with the flight deck, an updated Garmin G3000 suite adds Garmin autothrottles to reduce pilot workload. Another improvement up front is about four and a half inches of added legroom for the left seat. A taller pilot will notice the difference.Moving aft, the airstair has a non-slip surface and a new handle on the side of the forward bulkhead for ease of entry, with a light that shines down on the steps. The side seat directly across from the front door now folds up to make room for bags and other storage items when not in use.The retailored seats can swivel up to 180 degrees. There's a USB-C port at every seat. The cupholders are deeper, wider and lit by RGB lighting. Under-table lighting and updated master lighting controls at the VIP seat round out the improved cabin amenities.The lav also received a glow-up with overhead lighting and an optional sink with a refillable freshwater supply. It can now be serviced from outside the aircraft.That small change is the one charter and flight-department operators, who require fast turnarounds, will appreciate. Beeson described the CJ3 as predominantly owner flown but said it also works in charter and corporate flight departments around the world. "There's really something in it for everyone, both pilots and passengers alike."Where the CJ3 Gen2 stands on AutolandEmergency Autoland is a safety feature that likely will never be used yet appreciated by all. If a pilot is incapacitated, the system takes over, evaluates weather, terrain and traffic, and lands the airplane at the nearest suitable airport. Passengers can activate the system by pressing a button on the glareshield. It also engages on its own. After a rapid depressurization, emergency descent mode takes the airplane down and looks for pilot activity, and Autoland takes over if it finds none. If the airplane stays outside its stability envelope for a preset time, electronic stability protection brings it back to stable level flight and the Autoland process begins. Beeson said Autoland "certainly sets a new standard for single-pilot certified airplanes."Several rivals already have it. Autoland, which Garmin introduced in October 2019, is certified on aircraft including the Cirrus Vision Jet, the Daher TBM 940 and 960, the Piper M600 and M700, and the Pilatus PC-12 PRO, and as a retrofit on the Beechcraft King Air 200 and 350. In the light jet class, the Embraer Phenom 300EV became the first airframe certified with Emergency Autoland, with deliveries planned for 2028.What buyers should watchTextron is working on the Autoland service bulletin, but when it arrives, what it costs and the downtime needed for conversion to Gen3 are still open questions. In the meantime, the Gen2 is a capable and competitive aircraft that can be bought today. And that is a strong proposition for those looking for a light jet that doesn't compromise on amenities, or eventually, anything else.Browse current Citation CJ3 listings on GlobalAir.com.