Current Production · Certified · In Service Since January 2026
Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen2
CJ3 Gen3 is the next generation. CJ3 Gen2 is the generation you can actually fly today.
FAA type certified (13 October 2025) · Entered service January 2026
Image illustrative · not the specific aircraft offered
Range
2,040 nm source
Status
In service
Avionics
Garmin G3000
Category
Light jet
Autothrottles
Standard
Certified
FAA, Oct 2025
CJ3 Gen2 request
Request a CJ3 Gen2
Tell us the route, the dates and the party. We come back with suitable aircraft and a quotation for your itinerary.
Overview
What Is the Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen2?
The Citation CJ3 Gen2 combines the proven CJ3 airframe with Garmin G3000 avionics, standard autothrottles, a redesigned cabin and 2,040 nautical miles of published ferry range, while remaining one of the newest Citation light jets actually in service today.
CJ3 Gen3 is the next generation. CJ3 Gen2 is the generation you can actually fly today.
It is not simply an older CJ3. It is the delivered, in-service bridge between the established CJ3+ fleet and the upcoming CJ3 Gen3.
Status
Certified and In Service
FAA certified in October 2025 and in service since January 2026; further deliveries continue into 2027. The CJ3 Gen3 follows, expected in 2027.
October 2023
Textron Aviation announces the Citation CJ3 Gen2, the most comprehensive Gen2 update in the Citation family at the time.
13 October 2025
FAA type certification after approximately 445 flight-test hours.
8 January 2026
Textron announces entry into service; launch customers take delivery that week.
23 April 2026
French operator SD Aviation orders two M2 Gen3 and one CJ3 Gen2, with initial deliveries expected from 2027.
July 2026
First EAA AirVenture appearance for the CJ3 Gen2; the CJ3 Gen3 completes its first flight the same month.
2027
CJ3 Gen3 expected to enter service. The Gen2 remains the in-service generation until then.
Right-sizing
CJ3+, CJ3 Gen2 or CJ3 Gen3?
CJ3+
The established fleet. Most CJ3-family charter aircraft today are CJ3 or CJ3+.
CJ3 Gen2
In service since January 2026: G3000 avionics, standard autothrottles and a redesigned cabin.
CJ3 Gen3
Announced; first flight July 2026; entry into service expected 2027.
Not interchangeable
A Gen2 request is not met by a CJ3+ without your agreement; we always confirm which model is offered.
Range
What Does the Published Range Actually Mean?
Published maximum ferry range: 2,040 nm source.
The published figure
Cessna publishes 2,040 nm. It is a maximum ferry range under stated conditions, not a typical mission.
Typical missions
Regional and medium light-jet sectors; each flight is calculated by the operator.
Winds and payload
Passengers, bags and headwinds reduce what is possible nonstop.
CJ3+ figures
A CJ3+ flight uses that aircraft's own published figures.
Range illustration
Where a CJ3 Gen2 Can Reach
Within Europe
Most regional city pairs.
US regional
Many domestic sectors; confirmed per flight.
Mediterranean islands
Typical summer sectors to Mallorca, Sardinia or Greece.
Transatlantic
Not a light-jet mission; we compare larger aircraft.
Cabin
Cabin, Connectivity and Baggage
A redesigned CJ3 cabin. Actual seating and layout depend on the individual aircraft.
Redesigned cabin
The Gen2 brings a refreshed interior; the exact finish is confirmed per aircraft.
Connectivity
Installed systems vary; confirmed per aircraft.
Passengers
Seating varies by layout; confirmed per aircraft.
Baggage
Real capacity depends on bag shapes, skis and golf bags; confirmed per flight.
Engineering
Garmin G3000, Autothrottles and Single-Pilot Operation
Garmin G3000
Integrated touchscreen avionics replace the earlier flight deck.
Standard autothrottles
Reduce pilot workload, which matters in single-pilot operation.
Single-pilot certified
The CJ3 family is popular with owner-pilots; commercial charter crewing is set by the operator.
Proven airframe
Builds on the long-running CJ3 airframe and its established support network.
Airports
Airports and Runways
Airport suitability is calculated per flight by the operator for weight, temperature and elevation.
Airport suitability
Whether a specific airport works is calculated per flight by the operator.
Shorter runways
The CJ3 family is often used at regional airports; runway length, temperature and elevation can still restrict weight and range.
Monaco and the Riviera
Nice is the usual gateway, with helicopter or car transfer.
Approvals
Some airports need specific aircraft, operator or crew approvals.
Missions
CJ3 Gen2 Route Use Cases
Compare
CJ3 Gen2 vs Phenom 300E, Phenom 300EV, CJ4 Gen2, HondaJet Elite II and PC-24
| Aircraft | Range | Compared with the CJ3 Gen2 |
|---|---|---|
| CJ3 Gen2 | 2,040 nm source | In service since January 2026. |
| Embraer Phenom 300E | 2,010 nm source | Larger-cabin benchmark light jet; widely available for charter. |
| Embraer Phenom 300EV | Confirmed per aircraft | Certified 2026, deliveries expected 2028; not yet charterable. |
| Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen2 | 2,165 nm source | The larger Citation light jet. |
| HondaJet Elite II | 1,547 nm source | Smaller, efficient light jet. |
| Pilatus PC-24 | Confirmed per aircraft | Known for short and unpaved runway capability. |
Published maximums. Actual range depends on passengers, payload, weather, winds, reserves and conditions.
The aircraft matters
Why the Actual Aircraft Matters
Generation
A CJ3+, CJ3 Gen2 and Gen3 are not interchangeable; we confirm which you are offered.
Layout
Seating differs between aircraft.
Connectivity
System, coverage and data allowance vary.
Operator
Every flight is operated by a licensed operator. LUND GROUP does not own aircraft.
Photos
We send photos of the specific aircraft, not brochure images.
Charter
CJ3 Gen2 Charter
- Flight time and route
- Positioning from the aircraft's base
- Crew overnights
- Airport, handling and overflight fees
- Season and short-notice demand
- One-way vs return
Acquisition
CJ3 Gen2 for Sale and Acquisition
New CJ3 Gen2
We support buyers exploring delivery positions, including 2027 slots.
Gen2 now or Gen3 later
We compare timing, technology and value for your missions.
Pre-owned CJ3 / CJ3+
An established pre-owned market; records and maintenance programmes matter.
Related
Other Light and Midsize Jets
FAQ