Textron Aviation has delivered the 500th Cessna Citation CJ4 business jet, marking a new production milestone for the largest aircraft in the Citation light jet family. The milestone aircraft, a CJ4 Gen2, was delivered to a customer based in the Philippines.

The manufacturer says the milestone reflects the long-standing confidence of private owners, corporate customers and fleet operators. Over more than a decade on the market, the CJ4 has established itself as an aircraft combining range, speed and relatively favorable operating economics with single-pilot capability.

“The Citation CJ4 has set the standard in its class for more than a decade, and with the Citation CJ4 Gen2 and the upcoming Citation CJ4 Gen3, we’re continuing to invest in the innovation, technology and capabilities our customers value most,” said Lannie O’Bannion, senior vice president of Sales and Marketing at Textron Aviation.

While deliveries of the current generation continue, Textron Aviation is approaching the final stages of developing its successor. The Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3 is expected to receive certification from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) during 2026. Two test aircraft have so far accumulated more than 880 flight hours as part of the certification program.

The most significant cockpit upgrade will be Garmin G3000 PRIME avionics, designed to simplify system operation and provide pilots with a more intuitive working environment. The CJ4 Gen3 will also feature Garmin Emergency Autoland, which can take control if the pilot becomes incapacitated, select a suitable airport, conduct the approach and landing, and bring the aircraft to a stop.

The new model is expected to offer a maximum range of 2,165 nautical miles, or approximately 4,010 kilometers, and a maximum payload of 2,200 pounds, or 998 kilograms. The cabin will accommodate up to 11 occupants, while the baggage capacity will amount to approximately 1,040 pounds, or 472 kilograms.

Textron Aviation primarily positions the CJ4 as an aircraft for owner-operators and corporate missions, although the platform is also used for a variety of special operations. These include air ambulance flights, maritime patrol, search and rescue, and aerial survey missions.

The delivery of the 500th aircraft therefore marks both an important milestone for the current generation and the beginning of a new chapter for the program. The CJ4 Gen3 is expected to retain the family’s established performance and operating economics while introducing significantly more advanced avionics and additional safety capabilities.