Farnborough Airshow 2026 - Cessna Citation Gen3 Light Jets Progress Toward Faa Certification

Citation CJ4 Gen3 and Citation M2 Gen3 advancing through flight testing

Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, today announced continued progress across the Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3, Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen3 and Cessna Citation M2 Gen3 light jet programs, advancing the company’s next-generation light jet portfolio toward Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification. The Citation CJ4 Gen3 and the Citation M2 Gen3 are currently in the flight test phase of development.
All three of the light jets will feature the revolutionary Garmin Emergency Autoland, bringing even greater peace of mind to the journey for both pilots and passengers. The CJ4 Gen3 also features next-generation Garmin G3000 PRIME avionics, bringing intuitive, seamless control to the flight deck.

“The Citation CJ4 Gen3 and Citation M2 Gen3 flight test milestones reflect the disciplined progress our teams are making as we bring next-generation capability to the Citation light jet lineup,” said Chris Hearne, senior vice president, Engineering & Programs. "Based on customer feedback, the Gen3s bring new levels of confidence and an elevated experience to pilots worldwide while providing owners and passengers with the performance, comfort and productivity they expect from a Citation."
The Citation CJ4 Gen3 program has accumulated more than 880 flight test hours across two test articles. Recently completed testing includes Human Factors simulator tests and winglet certification tests for stalls, handling qualities, takeoff and landing performance. The aircraft continues toward expected FAA certification this year.

The Citation CJ3 Gen3 program is expected to achieve first flight soon, as it advances through its certification program toward its expected entry into service of 2027. With nearly 20 flight test hours completed following the recent first flight, the Citation M2 Gen3 is also expected to enter into service in 2027. As the program kicks off its flight test phase, the team is currently focused on developing the runway centerline tracking and brake tuning of Garmin Emergency Autoland.

Farnborough Airshow 2026 - Beechcraft Denali Advances Through Certification Program With Significant Flight Test Progress

Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, today announced the clean-sheet single-engine Beechcraft Denali turboprop is progressing through the final phases of flight testing. The Denali program remains on schedule to complete all flight test activities in October 2026.

Following completion of the testing, Textron Aviation will submit final flight test documentation to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for certification. The aircraft is expected to enter into service in 2027.

With more than 4,100 flight hours across 1,650 flights, the Denali flight test program’s three test articles are supporting ongoing validation of aircraft performance, systems and operational capabilities.

“Our teams continue to deliver meaningful progress on this clean-sheet aircraft,” said Chris Hearne, senior vice president, Engineering & Programs. “The Beechcraft Denali program is advancing through the certification process very well as we complete critical flight test milestones and continue validating performance, systems and operational capability, reinforcing our confidence in the aircraft’s performance and our path to entry into service.”

Advancing certification milestones

The Beechcraft Denali will feature the revolutionary Garmin Emergency Autoland, bringing even greater peace of mind to the journey for both pilots and passengers. The aircraft program has recently seen successful completion of a wide range of critical certification tests, including:

Stall speeds and characteristics
Control and maneuvering characteristics
Natural icing and ice shape evaluations
Field performance
Flyover noise
Human Factors assessments
Various avionics system tests
Phase 1 of function and reliability testing

About the Beechcraft Denali

The Beechcraft Denali is a clean-sheet, single-engine turboprop engineered to deliver advanced capability, modern ownership efficiency and an experience designed around the people on board across a wide range of missions.

The Beechcraft Denali’s flat-floor cabin is designed to be the largest in its segment and offers the lowest cabin altitude in class, providing a sea-level cabin to more than 18,000 ft. The cabin features a standard seating configuration of six individual reclining seats and offers a nine-place high density seating option. Passengers will enjoy large cabin windows, a forward refreshment cabinet and an in-flight accessible baggage compartment. An optional externally serviceable belted lavatory in the rear of the cabin is available.

Engineered to achieve cruise speeds of 285 knots and full fuel payload of 1,100 pounds, the Beechcraft Denali is designed to have a range of 1,600 nautical miles at high-speed cruise with one pilot and four passengers and will be able to fly from Los Angeles to Chicago, New York to Miami or London to Athens.

The Denali is the first aircraft powered with GE Aerospace’s Catalyst engine, a more efficient engine that burns less fuel than competitors in the same size class. Like the company’s additional turbine aircraft, the Denali can also use sustainable aviation fuel. The FADEC-equipped, 1,300 shaft horsepower (SHP)-rated turboprop engine eases pilot workload with its single-lever power and propeller control. Built-in engine trend monitoring contributes to an on-condition time between overhaul.

The airplane is also equipped with McCauley’s new 105-inch diameter composite, 5-blade, constant speed propeller, which is full feathering with reversible pitch and ice protection.

The cockpit features the intuitive Garmin G3000 avionics suite with high-resolution screens and touchscreen controllers. An integrated Garmin autothrottle interfaces with the Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS) and Flight Management System (FMS) to provide easy speed control throughout all regimes of flight from takeoff to touchdown. The revolutionary Garmin Emergency Autoland system is also being implemented into the aircraft’s development and flight test program and will be a standard feature on the aircraft at time of entry into service.

The Beechcraft Denali is engineered with class-leading maintenance intervals of 800 hours / 18 months, reducing downtime for operators. The aircraft is equipped with Textron Aviation’s LinxUs diagnostics system, enabling real time transmission and download of diagnostics data for enhanced troubleshooting capabilities.

Farnborough Airshow 2026 - Bombardier's Global 8000, The World’s Fastest Civil Aircraft, Sets New Speed Record Between Los Angeles And Farnborough, Uk

The Global 8000 aircraft set its latest speed record en route to the Farnborough International Airshow, where the aircraft will showcase its outstanding performance attributes in its first ever aerial display

This latest achievement for the new Global 8000(1) aircraft adds to a growing number of speed records and builds upon the industry-leading record tally of its predecessor the Global 7500

Bombardier’s Global 8000 is the fastest civil aircraft since the Concorde, with a top speed of Mach 0.95, a range of 8,000 nautical miles (NM), and the lowest cabin altitude in business aviation production of just 2,691 ft.(2), making it the ultimate business aircraft

Bombardier is proud to announce that the Global 8000 business jet has set a new speed record on a mission departing from Los Angeles and landing in Farnborough, UK. The aircraft completed the city pair in 8 hours and 46 minutes. In setting the record, the Global 8000 flight crew was able to overcome unfavorable tailwinds, reaching a top speed of Mach 0.93. This new speed record is also 2.2% faster than a previous record for the city pair set.

Boasting a top speed of Mach 0.95 and a range of 8,000 NM(2), the Global 8000 is the fastest and highest performing aircraft in the industry, transporting passengers quicker, farther, from more locations and in greater efficiency than ever before. On this specific mission, the aircraft headed to Farnborough to showcase its incredible performance attributes to spectators and take part in the aerial display at the Farnborough International Airshow.

“This new speed record illustrates the truly special attributes of this incredible aircraft, the industry leader in terms of speed, agility and performance,” said Stephen McCullough, Executive Vice President, Engineering, Product Development and Bombardier Defense. “Speed is without a doubt the Global 8000’s calling card, and this latest accomplishment aptly underscores what sets this aircraft apart – the ability to bring the world closer and closer than ever before. And when combined with the aircraft’s signature smooth ride, luxurious cabin, low cabin altitude and unmatched landing capabilities – including the ability to reach up to 30% more airports than its nearest competitor – it’s truly in a class of its own.”

The Global 8000 is making its debut at the 2026 Farnborough International Airshow and is taking part in aerial displays throughout week, showcasing its outstanding performance attributes. Find out more at Chalet C603.

Gulfstream G500 And G600 Fleet Surpasses 400 Customer Deliveries

Milestone Highlights Sustained Customer Demand and Leadership in Innovation and Performance
 Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. today announced the 400th customer delivery of its award-winning Gulfstream G500 and Gulfstream G600 fleet, a milestone that underscores sustained global demand for the aircraft, their innovation and performance leadership. The milestone delivery was a G600 outfitted at Gulfstream’s St. Louis facility for a customer in the Asia-Pacific region.

Since entering service, the G500 and G600 fleet has accumulated more than 519,000 flight hours and over 200,000 landings while demonstrating exceptional operational performance worldwide. The program has also achieved more than 190 city-pair speed records, contributing to Gulfstream’s overall total of 815 records. Recently, the G600 made a record-setting flight from Sapporo, Japan, to Savannah, flying 5,835 nautical miles/10,806 kilometers in 11 hours and 38 minutes at an average cruise speed of Mach 0.88.

“Reaching 400 deliveries is a testament to the confidence customers around the world continue to place in Gulfstream and in the G500 and G600,” said Mark Burns, president, Gulfstream. “Together, these aircraft have fueled sustained demand for our next-generation fleet and play a pivotal role in Gulfstream’s vision to offer an aircraft for every mission.”

The G500 and its sister aircraft, the G600, debuted the Gulfstream Symmetry Flight Deck and have earned numerous awards for interior excellence, quality and craftsmanship. The aircraft feature a clean-sheet design, a maximum operating speed of Mach 0.925 and the Gulfstream Cabin Experience with 100% fresh air, a plasma ionization air purification system, class-leading cabin altitude and Gulfstream Panoramic Oval Windows.

Earlier this year, both aircraft received European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification for steep-approach landing, enabling access to even more airports worldwide, including London City, providing customers with even greater flexibility.

 

Farnborough Airshow 2026 / Helicopters - The Helicopter Company orders eight additional Airbus H145 helicopters

Airbus Helicopters and The Helicopter Company (THC), a Public Investment Fund (PIF) company and Saudi Arabia’s leading commercial helicopter operator, have announced a firm order for eight additional Airbus H145 helicopters at Farnborough International Airshow.

The helicopters are scheduled for delivery between 2027 and 2028, and fall under the historic framework agreement signed between THC and Airbus at Verticon in 2024. The original framework agreement between THC and Airbus included up to 120 Airbus helicopters of various types set to be delivered over the next three to five years.

The order reflects THC's disciplined approach to fleet optimisation and its forward-looking growth strategy. By planning deliveries across a structured two-year window, THC will ensure seamless availability for integration of new aircraft into its operations. The H145s will support THC's expanding range of services, including Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and other mission-critical operations across the Kingdom and beyond.

“The additional order of H145s reinforces the dynamic partnership we have developed with Airbus over the past six years,” said Captain Arnaud Martinez, CEO of THC. “By investing in a fleet that is optimised, agile and future-ready, THC is strengthening our ability to anticipate and meet our customers’ evolving needs while supporting the Company’s next phase of development. The eight additional H145s will help to enhance our operational capabilities and position THC to further extend our footprint beyond the Kingdom, reinforcing our standing as both a regional and local leader and an increasingly prominent global player in aviation.”

“We are honored to further deepen our partnership with The Helicopter Company through this additional commitment for eight H145s. This agreement is a testament to the trust THC places in our multi-mission platforms to support the Kingdom’s rapidly expanding aviation ecosystem,” said Matthieu Louvot, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “The H145 has already proven its excellence in Saudi Arabia’s demanding 'hot and high' conditions, and we are proud and we are proud to see the growing number of H145s powering THC’s operations as they scale their world-class services," he added.

THC is at the forefront of developing commercial helicopter services in Saudi Arabia, having introduced the H145 into service for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and deployed the H145 in support of the Dakar Rally. This order further advances THC's mission in supporting the Kingdom's Vision 2030 goals by strengthening Saudi Arabia's aviation sector and expanding access to world-class helicopter services for clients domestically and internationally.

Airbus’ H145 is designed to deliver excellent performance throughout the flight envelope and is the latest member of the company’s twin-engine rotorcraft product range – with designed-in mission capability and flexibility, especially in high and hot operating conditions. There are more than 1,800 helicopters of this family in service, logging a total of more than 8.6 million flight hours. Its particularly low acoustic footprint makes the H145 the quietest helicopter in its class.

 

Farnborough Airshow 2026 / Helicopters - UK National Police Air Service orders two additional Airbus H135s

The UK’s National Police Air Service (NPAS) has placed an order for an additional two H135 helicopters, bringing the total fleet renewal programme to nine H135s.

The firm order, which follows the arrival of the first two fleet renewal aircraft at Airbus Helicopters in the UK in April for extensive policing customisation, comes under the original 2025 Framework Contract signed with the BlueLight Commercial procurement agency, which confirms Airbus as the exclusive supplier of helicopters for NPAS for up to six years.

“These aircraft will provide a modern, resilient and effective capability for policing, supporting our crews as they respond to incidents, assist officers on the ground and protect the public.

"Programmes of this scale are only possible through the dedication and professionalism of many people working behind the scenes. I would like to thank colleagues across NPAS, Airbus and BlueLight Commercial, whose expertise and commitment have helped bring us to this important point.

"Together with our partners, we are building a fleet that will serve policing and the public for many years to come, ensuring NPAS remains ready to meet the evolving demands of operational policing," said Chief Superintendent Fiona Gaffney, NPAS Accountable Manager.

“Building on decades of UK design and customisation expertise, Airbus Helicopters in the UK will play a key role in helping to bring the UK’s police helicopter fleet to a best-in-class standard, equipped with the latest security and policing technology,” said Richard Atack, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters in the UK.

NPAS currently operates 16 H135 and four H145 helicopters from 14 locations on behalf of the 43 police forces in England and Wales. Airbus Helicopters in the UK additionally provides maintenance and support for the NPAS fleet which includes the most intensively used police helicopters in the world.

The new helicopters, which will arrive at Airbus’ Oxford site in 2028 ahead of their completion to NPAS’ configuration, will be equipped with Airbus’ Helionix avionics system, new to NPAS pilots who are already conducting training and familiarisation flights with the system which enhances safety and operational effectiveness by markedly reducing pilot workload.

More than 1,470 H135s are in service worldwide and have exceeded 8 million hours with over 325 customers.

 

Cessna Citation Cj3 Gen2 And Beechcraft King Air 360 Crimson Edition To Make Eaa Airventure Show Debut

Textron Aviation brings lineup of industry-leading Cessna, Beechcraft, Pipistrel, McCauley Propeller products to Oshkosh

Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, today announced the Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen2 and Beechcraft King Air 360 Crimson Edition are heading to the 2026 Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Both aircraft will be on display for the first time at the show alongside a broad lineup of Cessna and Beechcraft aircraft.
“EAA AirVenture is one of the most important opportunities each year for us to connect with customers and the broader aviation community,” said Lannie O’Bannion, senior vice president, Sales & Marketing. “Being on the ground in Oshkosh allows us to showcase the breadth of our portfolio. Events like AirVenture also give us valuable face-to-face time to better understand how our customers operate and continue delivering aircraft that meet their evolving needs.”

With more than 24,000 turbine aircraft and 85,000 piston aircraft operating in the United States, Textron Aviation supports the largest share of general aviation turbine and piston aircraft in the country and world. At booth #78, visitors will have the opportunity to explore an iconic lineup of Cessna, Beechcraft and Pipistrel aircraft spanning gliders and piston models to turboprops and business jets. Aircraft expected to be on display include:

Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3 cockpit mockup
Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen2
Cessna Citation M2 Gen2
Beechcraft Denali mockup
Beechcraft King Air 360 (special Crimson Edition)
Cessna Grand Caravan EX
Cessna Turbo Stationair (206)
Cessna Turbo Skylane (T182T)
Cessna Skylane (182)
Cessna Skyhawk (172)

Pipistrel representatives will be on site to showcase the following aircraft:
Pipistrel Panthera

Pipistrel Sinus MAX
Pipistrel Alpha Trainer

All Cessna and Beechcraft turboprop and piston aircraft on display will feature McCauley Propeller products, and McCauley representatives will be on site at the show.
McCauley Propeller Systems, Bell and Lycoming will also have products on display, including:
Propeller displays: 

Beechcraft King Air 360 and Beechcraft Denali
Bell 505
Lycoming engine display

In the Textron Aviation booth, attendees can view the Starlink and Gogo Galileo aftermarket connectivity solution displays and connect with aftermarket parts and customer support teams to learn more about the company’s global service network. With a robust network of service centers, mobile service units and authorized facilities — supported by 24/7 Aircraft-on-Ground (AOG) assistance and an extensive parts distribution system — Textron Aviation helps maximize aircraft availability and keep customers flying.