Longtime Cessna Citation customer Ryan Samples is the launch customer for Textron’s new Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3 business jet, which the company has unveiled at NBAA-BACE. Samples has entered into a purchase agreement with the company to take delivery of the first CJ4 Gen3, which is expected to enter into service in 2026.

“As a pilot and business owner, I’m incredibly excited to be the launch customer for the Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3,” he says. “Our longstanding appreciation for Citation jets has only grown with each new model. The CJ4 Gen3 is a testament to Textron Aviation’s dedication to excellence, and I can’t wait to elevate our travel capabilities with this remarkable aircraft.”

Textron introduced the CJ4 Gen3 at the show along with the new Citation CJ3 Gen3 and Citation M2 Gen3. All three Citation Gen3 aircraft will feature Garmin autothrottles and Garmin Emergency Autoland. The Citation CJ4 Gen3, expected to hold the 525 type rating, elevates the pilot experience and leads the way in the industry as the first to announce inclusion of the next-generation Garmin G3000 Prime avionics suite.

“Ryan Samples is an ideal customer for the CJ4 Gen3,” says Lannie O’Bannion, senior vice president, global sales and flight operations. “As a longtime Citation enthusiast, he appreciates the responsive handling, advanced avionics and quality of this jet, and I look forward to him taking delivery of this incredible aircraft and experiencing the advancements in the cockpit.”

The CJ4 Gen3 prototype aircraft took to the skies for the first time in early October.

“The first flight of the CJ4 Gen3 prototype aircraft marks a major step forward in the flight test programme, paving the way for future certification and delivery to customers,” says Chris Hearne, senior vice president, engineering and programmes. “Our flight test pilots reported that the aircraft flew well and performed to the levels we anticipated. The programme will now move into a rigorous testing phase, ensuring the aircraft meets the highest performance standards.”

Piloted by senior test pilot Corey Eckhart and chief test pilot Ed Wenninger, the prototype aircraft, powered by two Williams International FJ44-4A turbofan engines, took off from the company’s west Wichita campus at Eisenhower National airport. The team evaluated the new avionics systems, along with the propulsion, environmental and flight control systems, during the one hour and 47 minute flight.

The all-new Garmin G3000 Prime next-generation avionics suite brings exceptional control to the pilot experience, with a streamlined touchscreen and smoother flight deck flow, reducing pilot workload.

The prototype aircraft will continue in the testing programme as the team’s focus turns to aircraft systems, engine, avionics and overall performance.

The CJ4 Gen3 has nearly 10 per cent lower operating costs than its closest competitors, and with class-leading range at any payload, the aircraft makes the most of every journey, says Textron. It is the largest Citation aircraft in the light jet segment. The single-pilot certified aircraft combines superior speed, range and operating economics compared to larger aircraft, making it the ideal platform for owner/operators or corporate missions. The CJ4 is valued by customers around the world for luxury and productivity, as well as a wide range of missions including air ambulance, maritime patrol, search and rescue and aerial survey.

The CJ4 Gen3 is expected to feature a maximum range of 2,165nm and a maximum payload of 2,200 pounds. With seating for up to 11 occupants and a 1,040 pound baggage capacity, the aircraft offers superior performance and versatility.