Textron Aviation to Debut Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen2 at NBAA-BACE, Alongside Longitude, Latitude and Ascend
Why It MattersShowing a refreshed light jet beside midsize and super-midsize Citations, plus aftermarket and training displays, reflects how OEMs sell across the whole ownership cycle, from new aircraft to upgrades and pilot training.
What happened
Textron Aviation will make the National Business Aviation Association Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) show debut of the Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen2 light jet. It will appear alongside other Cessna Citation jets representing the light, midsize and super-midsize segments.
The company plans to place the CJ3 Gen2, the flagship Cessna Citation Longitude super-midsize jet, the midsize Cessna Citation Latitude and the Cessna Citation Ascend, described as the latest evolution of the Citation 560XL series, on its static display (AC_18) at Henderson Executive Airport on Oct. 20 and 21.
From Oct. 20 to 22, visitors can go to the Textron Aviation booth (#3305, West Hall, Las Vegas Convention Center), where interactive displays will cover the company's aftermarket capabilities, including connectivity solutions and interior upgrades. TRU Simulation, a Textron company, will show its Veris Virtual Reality Flight Training Device at West Hall booth #3415, directly behind the Textron Aviation booth. The Cessna Skyhawk-configured device is also making its NBAA-BACE debut and combines virtual reality technology with a realistic cockpit; live demonstrations are planned.
Lannie O'Bannion, senior vice president of Sales & Marketing at Textron Aviation, said the CJ3 Gen2 reflects customer-driven enhancements that create value for pilots, passengers and operators.
CJ3 Gen2 specifications
The Citation CJ3 Gen2 combines the performance of the Citation CJ3 with Gen2 enhancements. It features Garmin autothrottle technology, Garmin G3000 avionics, GDL60 connectivity and 4.5 additional inches of pilot legroom.
The customizable cabin seats up to 10 occupants and offers optional swivel seating, RGB accent lighting, USB-C power at every seat, wireless charging, executive tables and storage. The lavatory has CoolView skylights, an optional sink and vanity, and external servicing capability.
The aircraft has a maximum range of 2,040 nautical miles and a maximum payload of 2,135 pounds.
Industry impact & what to watch
A static line that runs from a light jet up to a super-midsize model, paired with aftermarket displays and a training device, shows how a manufacturer presents itself at a major convention: as a supplier across the whole life of an aircraft, from the sale to the cabin refit to the pilot's recurrent training.
Gen2 updates on a proven light-jet airframe follow a familiar route for the segment. Cockpit and cabin changes, such as the avionics suite, connectivity and seat-level power, are how an established type stays competitive without a clean-sheet design, and they are the points buyers and operators compare between models.
The most useful next information will come from the show itself. Live demonstrations of the Veris device and the interactive aftermarket displays on Oct. 20 to 22 are the dated opportunities to see how these offerings are positioned.
