Textron Aviation Names Ryan Samples as Launch Customer for Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3 Business Jet Textron Aviation has officially announced that Ryan Samples, a longtime customer of Cessna Citation, will be the first to purchase the newly introduced Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3 business jet. The announcement was made today at the National Business Aviation Association’s Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) in Las Vegas. Samples has signed a purchase agreement to receive the first CJ4 Gen3, which is set to enter service in 2026. The CJ4 Gen3 is designed and manufactured by Textron Aviation Inc., a subsidiary of Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT).
“I’m thrilled to be the launch customer for the Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3 as both a pilot and business owner,” said Ryan Samples. “Our appreciation for Citation jets has grown with each new model. The CJ4 Gen3 showcases Textron Aviation’s commitment to excellence, and I look forward to enhancing our travel capabilities with this exceptional aircraft.”
In addition to the CJ4 Gen3, Textron Aviation unveiled the new Citation CJ3 Gen3 and Citation M2 Gen3 today, reinforcing the Citation family’s status as the most popular line of business jets globally. All three Gen3 aircraft will include Garmin Autothrottles and Garmin Emergency Autoland features. The Citation CJ4 Gen3 is anticipated to receive the 525 type rating, setting a new standard for pilot experience with the introduction of the next-generation Garmin G3000 PRIME avionics.
“Ryan Samples is the perfect customer for the CJ4 Gen3,” said Lannie O’Bannion, Senior Vice President of Global Sales & Flight Operations. “As a dedicated Citation enthusiast, he understands the responsive handling, advanced avionics, and quality of this jet. I’m excited for him to take delivery of this remarkable aircraft and experience its cockpit advancements.”
The Citation CJ4 Gen3 sets a new standard in the light business jet segment, boasting the most standard features in its class. With nearly 10 percent lower operating costs than its closest rivals and class-leading range at any payload, the CJ4 Gen3 maximizes every journey.
