Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen2 makes NBAA-BACE debut with cockpit upgrades
Textron Aviation is unveiling the refreshed light jet at the Las Vegas aviation convention next week with Garmin avionics, extra legroom and enhanced connectivity.
Textron Aviation is introducing the Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen2 at the National Business Aviation Association convention next week in Las Vegas, pairing the light jet’s established performance with customer-requested upgrades aimed at improving pilot workload and passenger comfort.
The refreshed Citation will appear in the company’s static display at Henderson Executive Airport on October 20 and 21, joined by three other aircraft spanning Textron’s Citation lineup: the Longitude super-midsize jet, the Latitude midsize platform, and the Ascend, the latest variant of the Citation 560XL series. Textron will also occupy booth 3305 in the West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center from October 20 to 22.
Cockpit and cabin improvements
The CJ3 Gen2 retains the proven airframe of the original Citation CJ3 but introduces enhancements developed with input from customers, pilots and maintenance technicians.
The cabin is fully customizable and accommodates up to ten occupants, with optional features including rotating seats, accent lighting in adjustable colors, individual charging ports at each seat and wireless charging capability. An executive table and generous storage complete the interior, while the lavatory incorporates skylights for daylight, plus optional washroom facilities and external access for maintenance purposes.
Range and payload
The Citation CJ3 Gen2 can fly 2,040 nautical miles and carry a maximum payload of 2,135 pounds, specifications that support a range of business aviation missions.
Supporting services and training innovations
Beyond the aircraft display, Textron’s booth will showcase aftermarket services and interior upgrades designed to extend aircraft capability throughout ownership. At booth 3415 in the West Hall, affiliate TRU Simulation will demonstrate the Veris Virtual Reality Flight Training Device, a Cessna Skyhawk-configured simulator making its NBAA-BACE debut. The system pairs virtual reality technology with an authentic cockpit setup for pilot instruction. Live product demonstrations will be held at TRU Simulation’s booth, positioned immediately behind the Textron Aviation display.
According to Lannie O’Bannion, senior vice president of Sales and Marketing at Textron Aviation, the Gen2 enhancements reflect the company’s approach to innovation. He said the aircraft features “customer-driven enhancements that create value for pilots, passengers and operators.”
This article was compiled by the CityLifeBytes editorial desk from the official announcements and reporting listed under Sources.
