Cessna's CJ3 Gen3 takes flight, completing the Gen3 light-jet trio

Textron Aviation announced the first flight of the Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen3. The prototype now joins a flight test program already underway on the M2 Gen3 and CJ4 Gen3, with most of the family aimed at entry into service in 2027.This flight closes the loop. Cessna unveiled the Gen3 light jets together, and the CJ3 was the last to leave the ground. The CJ4 Gen3 flew in October 2024 and has since logged more than 880 flight test hours across two aircraft. The M2 Gen3 followed on June 2, reaching 41,000 feet on a 2.7-hour first flight.Commonality is the theme. All Gen3 jets across the range share the same flight deck with Garmin’s G3000 avionics, full-regime autothrottles, and Garmin Emergency Autoland (which can land the aircraft on its own if the pilot becomes incapacitated). Cabin updates round out the package. Safety and automation have been dominating the marketing message in the owner-flown and single-pilot segment, and the Gen3 jets are leaning in.The CJ3 and CJ3+ are among the most widely fielded light jets in service, which gives the new and improved Gen3 models a built-in audience as soon as they’re certified.What buyers should watchTextron is anticipating a 2027 entry into service for the CJ3 and M2 Gen3, with the CJ4 Gen3 furthest along the road to certification and due in 2026. Owners of late-model CJ3s that are considering selling still have some breathing room, as no planned certification date has been announced for the new model.Browse current Citation CJ3+ listings on GlobalAir.com