Textron Aviation has received type certification from EASA for the Citation CJ3+, paving the way for deliveries to begin in Europe later this year.

“This is a significant milestone as the Citation CJ3+ is perfectly suited to the European environment, combining attributes that benefit passengers and operators,” says vp of jets and interior engineering Chris Hearne. “We’ve maximised technology and comfort in the passenger cabin, and operators and pilots benefit from superb performance characteristics, at operating and acquisition costs that make the CJ3+ the smart choice for today’s business transportation requirements.”

The aircraft was certified by the FAA in September last year, less than six months after its launch in March 2014. By the end of 2014, Cessna had already delivered 10 units.

With a range of 2,040 nm the CJ3+ can connect London and Moscow non-stop, or Madrid and St. Petersburg. It accommodates up to nine passengers and can climb to 45,000 feet in just 27 minutes, allowing it to operate above certain weather conditions and avoid more crowded flight levels. 

The Garmin G3000 avionics suite includes turbulence detecting weather radar, TCAS II and advanced terrain awareness warning systems . The aircraft is said to burn, on average, 10 per cent less fuel and costs five per cent less in maintenance per flight hour versus other aircraft in the light jet segment.