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Textron reported on Oct. 29 that Textron Aviation delivered more jets, generated more revenue and increased profit during the third quarter, providing another indication that demand remains healthy across key portions of the Citation lineup even as turboprop deliveries declined.The company reported third-quarter 2026 results showing jet deliveries increased to 51 aircraft from 42 a year earlier, while turboprop deliveries declined to 32 from 39. Textron Aviation generated $1.7 billion in revenue and $179 million in segment profit during the quarter. Textron also raised its full-year adjusted EPS and manufacturing cash-flow guidance.An $8.0 billion backlog gives visibility into future production activity and suggests Textron continues to have substantial demand in hand despite broader economic uncertainty. From a market perspective, delivery growth also tends to feed future trade activity. Aircraft entering service today often become tomorrow's upgrade candidates as owners move through replacement cycles.The delivery mix provides a useful snapshot of current customer priorities. Jet deliveries increased while turboprop deliveries declined, but Textron CEO Lisa Atherton said on the earnings call that aviation orders in the quarter were the highest for a third quarter since 2023. Beyond generating higher revenue, Textron Aviation also realized higher profits. Customers remain willing to spend on new aircraft, even if activity is concentrated in different parts of the product portfolio than it was a year ago.Why it mattersDeliveries show what Textron built and shipped. Orders show what buyers want, and by that measure the quarter was strong.The model mix matters to anyone shopping or brokering Citations with eyes on downstream used inventory. The biggest gains on the line came from the M2 Gen2, with deliveries doubling to 10 from 5, and the Longitude, with its deliveries rising to 9 from 5.The one ding in the financials was Textron Aviation's segment margin, which slipped to 10.7% from 11.6%. The segment expects to finish 2026 at the low end of its 11% to 12% margin guidance. The next test for Textron are the Gen3 light jets, which are expected to start entering service in the first half of 2027 and may give buyers weighing a current M2 or CJ3 a reason to wait.