Textron made its mark at the NBAA-BACE event in Las Vegas by introducing the second generation of its CJ3 aircraft. The unveiling of the CJ3 Gen2 occurred a day prior to the commencement of the show, and a full-scale mockup of the aircraft is showcased at the event. Anticipated to enter service in 2025, this updated version incorporates an array of enhancements driven by valuable feedback from customers. According to Textron CEO Ron Draper, the company engaged numerous current CJ3 owners to gather insights on the features they desired in the aircraft.
Among the noteworthy upgrades for pilots are the inclusion of Garmin autothrottles, an optional enhanced vision system, a touchscreen interface, and a GDL 60 datalink system. Passengers will benefit from new seating with swivel capabilities, charging ports at each seat, and foldable tables. The lavatory area has been enhanced with skylights and an optional sink with a vanity. Furthermore, the use of renewable and biodegradable materials in various cabin components reflects Textron's commitment to sustainability. It's worth noting that certain new features, such as autothrottles, require a fresh certification process, resulting in the planned service entry in 2025.