The Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen2 is an upgraded iteration of Textron Aviation’s Citation CJ4, offering improved cabin comfort, updated systems, and refined performance for the light jet segment. As the flagship of the CitationJet family, the CJ4 Gen2 maintains the same airframe and performance characteristics as its predecessor, with enhancements tailored to the passenger experience. It builds on a lineage that began with the original CitationJet in the early 1990s and represents the most advanced version of the CJ-series platform.
The CJ4 first flew in May 2008, with production beginning in 2010. The Gen2 variant was introduced in 2021 and remains in production as of 2025. The Gen2 does not alter the aircraft’s core flight characteristics but adds aesthetic and ergonomic updates, such as improved ambient lighting, redesigned side-facing seating, and premium material options. These upgrades were designed to modernize the cabin while retaining the operating efficiency and short-field capability for which the CJ4 platform is known.
Powered by two Williams FJ44-4A engines, each producing 3,621 pounds of thrust, the CJ4 Gen2 offers a maximum range of 2,165 nautical miles and a max cruise speed of 450 knots. It has a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of 17,110 pounds and requires 3,410 feet of runway for takeoff. The cabin measures 17.3 feet in length, 4.8 feet in width, and 4.8 feet in height, offering a total volume of 293 cubic feet. The aircraft typically seats 8 passengers in a business configuration, excluding crew.
The Citation CJ4 Gen2 is valued by operators for its blend of performance, comfort, and access flexibility, making it a versatile option for both owner-operators and corporate fleets.