Textron Aviation’s new Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen2 officially entered service in Wichita, Kansas, this week, with launch customers Dave Mecartney and Shannon Day taking delivery. Mecartney, a 20-year Citation veteran and member of Textron’s Customer Advisory Board, collaborated closely on design enhancements, ensuring the aircraft meets evolving operational needs. The FAA granted certification in October 2025, enabling Textron Aviation to capitalize on a strengthened light-jet offering and reinforce its leadership in the entry-level business jet segment.

The CJ3 Gen2 features Garmin G3000 avionics with autothrottle technology, reducing pilot workload and enhancing safety through flight-envelope protection. Cockpit improvements include 4.5 inches of additional legroom for pilots up to 6’3", while the cabin accommodates up to ten occupants in a fully customizable luxury environment. With a maximum range of 2,040 nautical miles and payload capacity of 2,135 pounds, the aircraft delivers a significant efficiency uplift over its predecessor, positioning Textron to capture missions requiring longer nonstop sectors and higher payload performance.

Textron Aviation’s global aftermarket network—comprising 20 company-owned service centers, 21 Authorized Service Facilities and over 80 Mobile Service Units—underpins rapid maintenance turnaround and AOG response. Supported by seven parts distribution centers and 17 regional stockrooms housing more than 150,000 part numbers, the network offers same-day shipping and online ordering. This infrastructure, backed by 600 dedicated professionals and 24/7 AOG support, is designed to minimize downtime, maximize aircraft availability and strengthen customer retention in a market where reliability and service responsiveness drive fleet renewal decisions.