Textron Aviation today announced longtime Cessna Citation customer Ryan Samples as the launch customer for its new Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3 business jet, which the company unveiled today at the National Business Aviation Association - Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) in Las Vegas. Samples has entered into a purchase agreement with the company to take delivery of the first CJ4 Gen3, which is expected to enter into service in 2026.
The Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3 is designed and manufactured by Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company.
“As a pilot and business owner, I’m incredibly excited to be the launch customer for the Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3,” said Ryan Samples. “Our longstanding appreciation for Citation jets has only grown with each new model. The CJ4 Gen3 is a testament to Textron Aviation's dedication to excellence, and I can't wait to elevate our travel capabilities with this remarkable aircraft.”
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Download free sample pages More informationTextron Aviation introduced the Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3 today along with the new Citation CJ3 Gen3 and Citation M2 Gen3, reinforcing the legendary Citation family as the most popular line of business jets in the world. All three Citation Gen3 aircraft will feature Garmin Autothrottles and Garmin Emergency Autoland. The new Citation CJ4 Gen3, expected to hold the 525 type rating, elevates the pilot experience and leads the way in the industry as the first to announce inclusion of the new next-generation Garmin G3000 PRIME avionics.
“Ryan Samples is an ideal customer for the CJ4 Gen3,” said Lannie O’Bannion, senior vice president, Global Sales & Flight Operations. “As a longtime Citation enthusiast, he appreciates the responsive handling, advanced avionics and quality of this jet, and I look forward to him taking delivery of this incredible aircraft and experiencing the advancements in the cockpit.”
The Citation CJ4 Gen3 brings a new expectation to the world of light business jets, with the most standard features in its class. The Citation CJ4 Gen3 has nearly 10 percent lower operating costs than its closest competitors, and with class-leading range at any payload, the aircraft makes the most of any journey.
