# Textron Aviation Citation jet development and production > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/textron-aviation-citation-jet-development-and-production > Updated: 2026-08-17T21:39:52.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2. Textron Aviation is advancing its next-generation light business jet lineup through both production milestones and new flight testing. In late July 2026, the company completed the first flight of the Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen3 prototype, which reached altitudes of 41,000 feet. This test flight aimed to validate handling and system performance, specifically regarding the Garmin G3000 avionics and the new Emergency Autoland system. Simultaneously, the company reached a production milestone with the delivery of its 500th Cessna Citation CJ4, a Gen2 model, to a customer in the Philippines. While celebrating this delivery, Textron continues development on the CJ4 Gen3, which is expected to receive FAA certification by the end of 2026. The Gen3 iteration will feature upgraded cockpit technology, including the Garmin G3000 Prime suite and enhanced safety systems designed to land the aircraft autonomously if a pilot becomes incapacitated. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-17: Textron Aviation delivers 500th Cessna Citation CJ4 Textron Aviation delivered its 500th Cessna Citation CJ4 to a customer in the Philippines while preparing for the FAA certification of the upgraded CJ4 Gen3 model. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/textron-aviation-delivers-500th-cessna-citation-cj4 ### 2026-07-29: Textron Aviation's Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen3 Completes First Flight Textron Aviation completed the first flight of its Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen3 business jet on July 29, 2026 in Wichita, reaching 41,000 ft and 278 kt, and beginning FAA certification testing. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/textron-aviations-cessna-citation-cj3-gen3-completes-first-flight --- Cite as: Textron Aviation Citation jet development and production. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/textron-aviation-citation-jet-development-and-production