Cessna Citation Cj3 Gen3 Achieves First Flight, Advancing Next-Generation Light Jet Toward Certification

All three Citation Gen3 light jets are now in flight testing, bringing Garmin Emergency Autoland and customer-inspired enhancements to the next generation of business aviation.

Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, recently achieved a key milestone as the Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen3 prototype aircraft completed its first flight, advancing the next-generation light jet toward certification. With this milestone, all three next-generation Citation light jets — the CJ4 Gen3, CJ3 Gen3 and M2 Gen3 — have entered flight testing, demonstrating continued momentum across the Cessna next-generation light jet portfolio.

“This achievement continues the forward momentum of the CJ3 Gen3 program and reflects the discipline, innovation and commitment of this team,” said Chris Hearne, senior vice president, Engineering & Programs. “Comprehensive flight testing will now begin for this aircraft with rigorous validation of its performance as we continue to work toward FAA certification and entry into service.”

Taking off from Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport, pilots Steve Helmer and Dave Wellbrock focused on testing software functionality in the cockpit during the initial nearly two-hour flight. The aircraft reached a maximum altitude of 41,000 feet and a maximum speed of 278 knots indicated.

“From takeoff to landing, the aircraft demonstrated the handling qualities and system performance we expected,” said Helmer, flight test pilot. "This first flight validated months of preparation and provided a strong foundation as we expand testing and continue the certification program."

Designed from customer feedback, the Citation CJ3 Gen3 brings Garmin Emergency Autoland to the proven Garmin G3000 avionics platform, offering even greater peace of mind to the journey for both pilots and passengers. The aircraft combines advanced intuitive flight deck technology with the performance, payload and operating efficiency customers expect from Cessna Citation business jets.

"The Citation CJ3 Gen3 builds on everything customers value about the CJ3 family while incorporating technology they've asked for to make flying even more intuitive and confidence-inspiring," said Lannie O’Bannion, senior vice president, Global Sales & Marketing. "From advanced Garmin avionics to a refined cabin experience, this aircraft reflects our commitment to delivering practical innovations for customers.”

 

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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.