Textron Aviation has delivered the first Cessna Citation Jet 3 Gen2 on Jan. 8, just three months after receiving type certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
A Bit About Textron Aviation
The company is a leading manufacturer that is part of Textron Inc. They are known for iconic brands including Cessna, Beechcraft and Hawker.
They also produce business jets, turboprops, piston aircraft, military trainers and provide extensive aftermarket parts and services globally.
Delivery of the Aircraft
On Jan. 8, Cessna’s owner, Textron, announced that Dave Mecartney and Shannon Day have taken ownership of the new aircraft.
Mecartney has flown Citation light jets for almost two decades, has helped shape some of the enhancements of the CJ3 Gen2 aircraft and is also a member of Textron’s customer advisory board.
Shannon Day stated:
There was no equal for handling, service and support, training and reliability in the entry level jet category than the CJ3 Gen2… When we decided to upgrade our mission capabilities, staying in the Citation family was an easy decision. The CJ3 Gen2 is a great next step in my aviation journey and I’m looking forward to the advances in this aircraft.
Dave Mecartney added:
The aftermarket support has always been responsive, efficient and predictable—which is invaluable as an owner-pilot. 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.
Citation Jet 3 Gen2
This aircraft is the latest variant in the Citation Jet 3 family, and according to Textron, it features an updated avionics suite with autothrottles (to reduce pilot workload), increased cockpit legroom, seating for up to ten passengers and an externally serviceable lavatory.
Textron have stated that the new Citation jet design was based on feedback from owners, pilots and even mechanics. With their input, they were able to help to shape the aircraft.
Lannie O’Bannion, Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing for Textron Aviation, stated:
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.
This latest iteration from the Citation Jet 3 family builds on its foundation, upgrading from its previous models, CJ3 and CJ3+, enabling significant technological advances and modernising the aircraft to better compete in the light jet market.
What are your thoughts on this aircraft? Let us know in the comments!
