Textron Aviation Delivers First Citation CJ3 Gen2

Textron Aviation handed over the first Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen2, bringing to market what it calls the most extensive upgrade yet for the model. Delivery, to longtime Citation owners Dave Mecartney and Shannon Day, took place this week following FAA approval in October. The handover marks the second market entry for an updated model in as many weeks—Textron Aviation delivered the first Citation Ascend to a customer at the end of last month.

Mecartney, a member of Textron Aviation’s customer advisory board who has nearly two decades of experience flying Citations, helped provide key input into the upgrades for the CJ3 Gen2 experience. Lannie O’Bannion, Textron Aviation senior v-p of sales and marketing, called the aircraft “our most comprehensive Gen2 to date.” Upgrades include the addition of Garmin autothrottles, more pilot legroom, and a customizable cabin environment.

“The Citation CJ3 Gen2 delivers an unmatched experience from day one—thanks to its exceptional range, payload, and efficiency, combined with new productivity and comfort features,” O’Bannion said.

Designed based on customer feedback via a customer advisory board, the CJ3 Gen2 has 4.5 more inches of pilot legroom and the latest Garmin G3000 suite, including autothrottles, touchscreen interface, and GDL60 for aircraft connectivity. The customizable interior can seat up to 10 occupants, and the aircraft has an externally serviceable lavatory.

“As a Cessna Citation owner since 2007, the brand has consistently earned my trust with a proven heritage, superior reliability, and one of the strongest service and support networks in the industry,” Mecartney added. “Choosing the CJ3 Gen2 felt like a natural continuation of a relationship and an aircraft lineage that I’ve relied on for nearly two decades.”