CitationJet

CitationJet, commonly referred to as the CJ series, is a family of light to midsize business jets produced by Cessna, now part of Textron Aviation. The line originated in the early 1990s with the original CitationJet, a purpose-built design intended to offer efficient operating costs, strong performance, and a comfortable cabin for corporate travel. Over the years, the CJ family has evolved through multiple variants, each delivering improvements in range, speed, and cabin amenities to meet changing operator needs.

Design and capabilities are centered on twin turbofan engines, a low-wing configuration, and a pressurized cabin that accommodates six to nine passengers depending on the model. These jets are typically capable of single-pilot or two-pilot operation, depending on regulatory requirements. Cruise performance generally places the aircraft in the high 400s knots, with ranges ranging from roughly 1,500 to 2,500 nautical miles across different CJ versions. Avionics have progressed from older pro line suites to modern Garmin-based systems in later generations, reflecting ongoing upgrades in cockpit technology.

Key CJ variants include CJ1, CJ1+, CJ2, CJ2+, CJ3, CJ3+, and CJ4. The CJ3 family offered improved range and cabin comfort, while the CJ4 introduced a longer cabin, higher takeoff weight, and updated avionics. The CJ line has been widely adopted by corporate operators, charter firms, and flight schools, valued for cost-efficient operation and solid short-field performance.

Production of the CJ series reflects Cessna’s long-standing focus on scalable, efficient business jets. In later years, the CJ lineage was integrated into Textron Aviation’s broader Citation family, with newer generations building on the CJ concept.