Textron Aviation Rolls Out Its 500th Citation CJ4

Textron Aviation marked the rollout of its 500th Citation CJ4 series aircraft last Monday, celebrating the milestone with employees across the production line. The aircraft is a Gen2, and it exits the factory at a meaningful moment: the Gen3 is expected to enter service later this year.The CJ4 has been in production since 2010, with more than 450 deliveries to operators around the world. Textron says the Gen3 builds on that foundation.The Next CitationThe Gen3 was announced in 2024. Its headline addition is a Garmin G3000 PRIME flight deck, which includes Garmin Emergency Autoland and Autothrottle. FAA certification is expected in 2026, though Textron has not confirmed a specific service entry date.Textron positions the jet on performance and economics, citing operating costs more than 10 percent below its closest competitors and cabin amenities it describes as class-leading.What the New Flight Deck BringsThe G3000 PRIME cockpit introduces several changes over the Gen2:A procedure selector for intuitive, interactive approach transition adjustmentsEnhanced primary displays with multi-touch technologyInteractive slide-outs on the engine indicating stripSecondary display units with Linked ViewA Garmin Control Unit with a simplified button layoutOn performance, the Gen3 carries a maximum range of 2,165 nm at 0.77 Mach, with a takeoff field length of 3,410 feet at maximum takeoff weight and a maximum payload of 2,200 pounds. It seats up to 11 occupants. In August 2025, Textron added an option for the Gogo Galileo HDX connectivity solution.By comparison, the Citation CJ4 Gen2 flies 1,926 nm at 0.77 Mach with eight passengers, carries a full-fuel payload of 1,122 pounds, and uses the same 3,410-foot takeoff field length. Its maximum range on a single tank is also listed at 2,165 nm.To Buy, Sell, or WaitFor brokers and sellers, the Gen3's certification and first deliveries will put pressure on Gen2 values. The compression won't be immediate, but it's coming. Anyone in the market for a Citation jet now faces a familiar calculation: buy the Gen2 at today's prices, wait for the Gen3, or wait for Gen2 values to soften once the new model arrives.Those weighing current Gen2 pricing or comparing it against other jets can view current listings on GlobalAir.com.