What Happened
Textron Advances Next Generation Light Jet Program
Textron Aviation has successfully flown the first Cessna Citation M2 Gen3 prototype, marking a major milestone in the development of its next-generation entry-level light jet. The aircraft completed its first flight on May 30, 2026, from Wichita, Kansas, reaching a maximum altitude of 20,500 feet and a speed of 250 knots. The M2 Gen3 features advanced avionics, including the Garmin G3000 Prime flight deck and Emergency Autoland, and is expected to enter service in 2027. According to AeroTime, the Citation M2 Gen3 is designed to provide customers with the latest technology and comfort while maintaining the Citation tradition of performance and reliability.