The Citation CJ3 Gen3, in brief
Textron Aviation unveiled the next generation of its Citation light jets — the M2 Gen3, CJ3 Gen3, and CJ4 Gen3 — at NBAA-BACE in October 2024. The CJ3 Gen3 achieved FAA type certification in October 2025 and entered service in January 2026, replacing the CJ3+ as Cessna’s current-production CJ3. It keeps the same airframe, cabin, and Williams FJ44-3A engines that made the CJ3+ one of the best-selling light jets of the last decade, while rebuilding the flight deck around Garmin’s newest avionics.
The headline change is avionics: Garmin G3000 PRIME replaces the standard G3000 suite, adding a redesigned procedure selector, larger secondary displays, and Garmin Emergency Autoland, which can land the aircraft itself if the pilot becomes incapacitated. Full-regime autothrottles, Synthetic Vision Technology, and Garmin GWX 8000 StormOptix weather radar are standard.
Specifications
| Manufacturer | Cessna (Textron Aviation) |
| Model | Citation CJ3 Gen3 |
| Status | In production; entered service January 2026 |
| Engines | 2x Williams FJ44-3A, 2,820 lbf each |
| Avionics | Garmin G3000 PRIME, Emergency Autoland |
| Seats | 1-2 crew, up to 9 passengers |
| Useful load | 5,530 lb |
| Max takeoff weight | 13,870 lb |
| Max range (NBAA IFR) | 2,040 nm |
| Max cruise speed | 416 kts (M0.737) |
| Service ceiling | 45,000 ft |
| Rate of climb | 4,478 fpm |
| Takeoff distance | 3,180 ft |
| Landing distance | 2,770 ft |
| Length / Height / Wingspan | 51’2″ / 15’2″ / 53’4″ |
Where the CJ3 Gen3 sits in the CitationJet lineage
The CJ3 Gen3 is the third and current generation of this specific airframe: the original CJ3 (2004-2014, Collins Pro Line 21), the CJ3+ (2014-2025, Garmin G3000), and now the CJ3 Gen3 (2026-present, Garmin G3000 PRIME with Emergency Autoland). Textron refreshed its whole light-jet range at the same October 2024 event — the CJ4 Gen3 and M2 Gen3 share the same avionics upgrade on their respective airframes.
What financing a new Citation CJ3 Gen3 looks like
Because the CJ3 Gen3 only entered service in January 2026, there is not yet a meaningful pre-owned market for it — every CJ3 Gen3 financed today is a new-delivery aircraft, not a used-market purchase. Factory list price runs approximately $11 million equipped. FLYING Finance structures new-aircraft delivery financing around the manufacturer’s delivery schedule and deposit structure, with terms and down payment shaped by the buyer’s engine-program election and any trade-in of an existing CJ3, CJ3+, or comparable light jet. Owners coming out of a CJ3+ or original CJ3 typically look here first, since the step up keeps the same operating economics and type-rating commonality.
Citation CJ3 Gen3 vs. its closest relatives
| CJ3+ | CJ3 Gen3 | CJ4 Gen3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Status | 2014-2025 (used only) | 2026-present (new) | 2026-present (new) |
| Engines | 2x FJ44-3A-24 | 2x FJ44-3A | 2x FJ44-4A |
| Avionics | Garmin G3000 | Garmin G3000 PRIME | Garmin G3000 PRIME |
| Seats | up to 8 | up to 9 | up to 10 |
| Range | ~2,040 nm | 2,040 nm | 2,165 nm |
| Typical price | $6.2M-$8.5M+ (used) | ~$11M (new) | higher (new) |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a new Citation CJ3 Gen3 cost?
Factory list price is approximately $11 million equipped. Because it only entered service in January 2026, there is no established pre-owned market yet.
What’s the difference between the CJ3 Gen3 and the CJ3+?
The CJ3 Gen3 keeps the CJ3+’s airframe and Williams FJ44-3A engines but adds Garmin G3000 PRIME avionics with Emergency Autoland, a redesigned flight deck layout, and updated cabin technology.
When did the Citation CJ3 Gen3 enter service?
Textron Aviation unveiled it in October 2024, certified it with the FAA in October 2025, and delivered the first aircraft to customers in January 2026.
Can you finance a new Citation CJ3 Gen3?
Yes. FLYING Finance arranges new-delivery financing for the CJ3 Gen3, structured around the factory delivery schedule, engine-program election, and any trade-in aircraft.
Is the Citation CJ3 Gen3 single-pilot certified?
Yes. Like the rest of the CitationJet family, the CJ3 Gen3 is certified for single-pilot operation.
Considering a new Citation CJ3 Gen3? See the full Citation Jet financing overview or run the numbers with our aircraft finance calculator.
New-delivery financing?
Trade in a CJ3+?
Finance for charter?