Textron Aviation has flown the first Cessna Citation M2 Gen3 prototype, moving the next version of its entry-level light jet into the flight-testing phase.
The aircraft completed its first flight on May 30, 2026, from Wichita, Kansas, Textron Aviation said.
The flight lasted 1 hour and 47 minutes. During the initial sortie, the aircraft reached a maximum altitude of 20,500 feet and a speed of 250 knots.
Textron said the crew tested the aircraft’s Garmin avionics system, autopilot, engines and overall systems during the flight.
“The successful first flight of the Citation M2 Gen3 marks an exciting achievement for the program,” said Lannie O’Bannion, Senior Vice President, Global Sales and Flight Operations at Textron Aviation. “The M2 Gen3 is designed to give customers the latest technology and comfort while continuing the Citation tradition of performance and reliability.”
The M2 Gen3 is expected to enter service in 2027. It follows the Citation CJ4 Gen3, which Textron expects to enter service later in 2026.
Textron unveiled the M2 Gen3, CJ3 Gen3 and CJ4 Gen3 in 2024 as part of an update to the Citation light jet family.
The M2 Gen3 will feature the Garmin G3000 Prime flight deck and Garmin Emergency Autoland, making it the first aircraft in its class expected to offer the system, according to Textron.
Emergency Autoland can take control of the aircraft in an emergency, communicate with air traffic control and land the aircraft if the pilot becomes incapacitated.
The aircraft will also include Garmin Autothrottles, Garmin PlaneSync and other avionics updates.
Cabin changes include new interior styling, RGB accent lighting, wireless charging, USB-C charging and a cabin master control switch.
The Citation M2 Gen3 will seat up to seven passengers and retain the model’s single-pilot capability.
The current Citation M2 has become one of Textron’s key entry-level jet products, positioned for owner-pilots, corporate flight departments and charter operators seeking light jet performance with lower operating complexity.