Cessna Citation jets are everywhere in business aviation. Since the first Citation entered service in 1972, they have become the largest business jet fleet in the world, from small single-pilot jets to the transcontinental Longitude. In this guide we explain every Citation in the 2026 line-up, with the same facts for each: range, speed, cabin, seats, engines, cockpit and what it is best for.
Quick answer: Cessna makes six Citations. The Longitude flies furthest (3,500 nm) and fastest (483 ktas). The Latitude and new Ascend are midsize jets. The CJ4 Gen3, CJ3 Gen3 and M2 Gen3 are light jets that one pilot can fly, each with Garmin Emergency Autoland.
Cessna Citation Jets at a Glance
| Model | Class | Max range | Max occupants | Max cruise | Cabin (L x H x W) | Engines |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Citation Longitude | Super-midsize | 3,500 nm (6,482 km) | 12 | 483 ktas | 25 ft 2 in x 72 in x 77 in | 2 x Honeywell HTF7700L |
| Citation Latitude | Midsize | 2,700 nm (5,000 km) | 9 | 446 ktas | 21 ft 9 in x 72 in x 77 in | 2 x PW306D1 |
| Citation Ascend | Midsize | 1,940 nm (3,593 km) | 12 passengers | 441 ktas | 18 ft 6 in x 60-68 in x 66 in | 2 x PW545D |
| Citation CJ4 Gen3 | Light (single-pilot) | 2,165 nm (4,010 km) | 10 | 451 ktas | 17 ft 4 in x 57 in x 58 in | 2 x Williams FJ44-4A |
| Citation CJ3 Gen3 | Light (single-pilot) | 2,040 nm (3,778 km) | 9 | 416 ktas | 15 ft 8 in x 57 in x 58 in | 2 x Williams FJ44-3A |
| Citation M2 Gen3 | Entry-level (single-pilot) | 1,550 nm (2,871 km) | 7 | 404 ktas | 11 ft x 57 in x 58 in | 2 x Williams FJ44-1AP-21 |
Sources: Textron Aviation pages for the Longitude, Latitude, Ascend, CJ4 Gen3, CJ3 Gen3 and M2 Gen3. PW = Pratt & Whitney Canada. Textron does not state range conditions on most of these pages (the Ascend’s is with 4 passengers), so ranges are not directly comparable with other makers’.
Cessna and Textron Aviation in Brief
Citations are built by Textron Aviation in Wichita, Kansas. Wikipedia says Textron Aviation was formed in March 2014, when the Textron group bought Beechcraft and combined it with Cessna; it also owns the Hawker and Pipistrel brands. According to Wikipedia, the first Citation prototype flew on 15 September 1969, the family entered service in 1972, and deliveries reached 8,000 by 2022, making the Citation the largest business jet fleet in the world.
| Company fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Maker | Textron Aviation (part of Textron) |
| Headquarters | Wichita, Kansas, United States |
| Formed | March 2014 (Cessna + Beechcraft) |
| Other brands | Beechcraft, Hawker, Pipistrel |
| First Citation | First flight 15 September 1969; in service 1972 |
| Citations delivered | 8,000 by 2022 |
Sources: Wikipedia: Textron Aviation; Wikipedia: Cessna Citation family.
1. Citation Longitude: The Flagship
The Citation Longitude is Cessna’s biggest and fastest jet: up to 12 occupants, 3,500 nm of range and a maximum cruise speed of 483 ktas. It has a stand-up cabin, 72 in tall and 77 in wide, which Textron calls the quietest in its class. Wikipedia says it was certified in September 2019.
Citation Longitude specifications
| Citation Longitude | Figure |
|---|---|
| Maximum range | 3,500 nm (6,482 km) |
| Maximum cruise speed | 483 ktas (895 km/h); limit Mach 0.84 |
| Maximum occupants | 12 |
| Cabin (L x H x W) | 25 ft 2 in x 72 in x 77 in (7.67 x 1.83 x 1.96 m) |
| Baggage | 112 cu ft (3.17 m3), up to 1,115 lb |
| Engines | 2 x Honeywell HTF7700L, 7,665 lb (34.10 kN) each |
| Maximum altitude | 45,000 ft |
| Take-off / landing distance | 4,810 ft / 3,170 ft (1,466 / 966 m) |
| Maximum take-off weight | 39,500 lb (17,917 kg) |
| Length / wingspan / height | 73 ft 2 in / 68 ft 11 in / 19 ft 5 in (22.3 / 21.01 / 5.9 m) |
| Hourly operating cost (Textron) | US$2,903 |
Source: Textron Aviation: Citation Longitude.
The cockpit is a Garmin G5000 with three large screens, four touchscreen controllers, synthetic vision and autothrottles, with an optional head-up display and enhanced vision. Textron says it offers up to 11% more legroom and maintenance every 800 hours or 18 months. Best for: US coast-to-coast and transatlantic-with-a-stop trips in a quiet, roomy cabin.
2. Citation Latitude: The Midsize Favourite
The Citation Latitude shares the Longitude’s 72 in tall, 77 in wide cabin, but it is shorter (21 ft 9 in) and carries up to 9 occupants. It flies 2,700 nm at up to 446 ktas and needs only 3,580 ft of runway. Wikipedia says first deliveries began on 27 August 2015.
Citation Latitude specifications
| Citation Latitude | Figure |
|---|---|
| Maximum range | 2,700 nm (5,000 km) |
| Maximum cruise speed | 446 ktas (826 km/h); limit Mach 0.80 |
| Maximum occupants | 9 |
| Cabin (L x H x W) | 21 ft 9 in x 72 in x 77 in (6.63 x 1.83 x 1.96 m) |
| Baggage | 127 cu ft (3.60 m3), up to 1,245 lb |
| Engines | 2 x Pratt & Whitney Canada PW306D1, 5,907 lb (26.28 kN) |
| Maximum altitude | 45,000 ft |
| Take-off / landing distance | 3,580 ft / 2,480 ft (1,091 / 756 m) |
| Maximum take-off weight | 30,800 lb (13,971 kg) |
| Length / wingspan / height | 62 ft 3 in / 72 ft 4 in / 20 ft 11 in (19.0 / 22.05 / 6.4 m) |
Source: Textron Aviation: Citation Latitude.
It has an electric 31-inch entry door, standard US Wi-Fi and the same Garmin G5000 cockpit with autothrottles. Best for: 4 to 6 hour trips in a stand-up cabin, from shorter runways.
3. Citation Ascend: The New Midsize
The Citation Ascend is the newest Citation, which Wikipedia says entered service in 2025. It seats up to 12 passengers, flies 1,940 nm with four passengers at high-speed cruise and climbs straight to 43,000 ft in 26 minutes. Its cabin is 18 ft 6 in long and 66 in wide, 60 in tall as standard or 68 in with an optional dropped aisle.
Citation Ascend specifications
| Citation Ascend | Figure |
|---|---|
| Range | 1,940 nm (3,593 km), 4 passengers, high-speed cruise |
| Maximum cruise speed | 441 ktas (817 km/h); limit Mach 0.75 |
| Maximum passengers | 12 |
| Cabin (L x H x W) | 18 ft 6 in x 60 in (68 in optional) x 66 in (5.64 x 1.52-1.73 x 1.68 m) |
| Baggage | 90.2 cu ft (2.55 m3), up to 800 lb |
| Engines | 2 x Pratt & Whitney Canada PW545D, 4,218 lb (18.76 kN) |
| Maximum altitude | 45,000 ft |
| Take-off / landing distance | 3,800 ft / 3,180 ft (1,158 / 969 m) |
| Maximum take-off weight | 20,500 lb (9,299 kg) |
| Length / wingspan / height | 52 ft 8 in / 55 ft 8 in / 17 ft 3 in (16.05 / 16.97 / 5.26 m) |
Source: Textron Aviation: Citation Ascend.
Textron lists windows about 15% larger with electronic shades, wireless phone charging at every main seat, a quiet cabin and an APU that can run unattended on the ground and in flight. The Garmin G5000 cockpit adds autothrottles with flight envelope protection. Best for: carrying a big group on 3 to 4 hour trips.
4. Citation CJ4 Gen3: The Fastest CJ
The CJ4 Gen3 is the biggest of the single-pilot CJ jets: up to 10 occupants, 2,165 nm of range and a 451 ktas top cruise. The Gen3 adds the Garmin G3000 PRIME touchscreen cockpit, autothrottles and Garmin Emergency Autoland. Textron’s page said in October 2026 that the CJ4 Gen3 was still progressing toward FAA certification; Wikipedia says the Gen3 family was announced in 2024 and expected to enter service in 2026.
Citation CJ4 Gen3 specifications
| Citation CJ4 Gen3 | Figure |
|---|---|
| Maximum range | 2,165 nm (4,010 km) |
| Maximum cruise speed | 451 ktas (835 km/h); limit Mach 0.77 |
| Maximum occupants | 10 (single-pilot certified) |
| Cabin (L x H x W) | 17 ft 4 in x 57 in x 58 in (5.28 x 1.45 x 1.47 m) |
| Baggage | 77.1 cu ft (2.18 m3), up to 1,040 lb |
| Engines | 2 x Williams FJ44-4A, 3,621 lb (16.11 kN) |
| Maximum altitude | 45,000 ft |
| Take-off / landing distance | 3,410 ft / 2,940 ft (1,039 / 896 m) |
| Maximum take-off weight | 17,110 lb (7,761 kg) |
| Length / wingspan / height | 53 ft 4 in / 51 ft 9 in / 15 ft 5 in (16.26 / 15.77 / 4.7 m) |
Source: Textron Aviation: Citation CJ4 Gen3.
Best for: owner-pilots and small companies flying 3 to 5 hour trips.
5. Citation CJ3 Gen3: The Single-Pilot Classic
The CJ3 Gen3 carries up to 9 occupants for 2,040 nm, almost as far as the CJ4 in a smaller, lighter jet. Garmin G3000 avionics, autothrottles and Emergency Autoland come as standard.
Citation CJ3 Gen3 specifications
| Citation CJ3 Gen3 | Figure |
|---|---|
| Maximum range | 2,040 nm (3,778 km) |
| Maximum cruise speed | 416 ktas (770 km/h); limit Mach 0.737 |
| Maximum occupants | 9 (single-pilot certified) |
| Cabin (L x H x W) | 15 ft 8 in x 57 in x 58 in (4.78 x 1.45 x 1.47 m) |
| Baggage | 65 cu ft (1.84 m3), up to 1,000 lb |
| Engines | 2 x Williams FJ44-3A, 2,820 lb (12.54 kN) |
| Maximum altitude | 45,000 ft |
| Take-off / landing distance | 3,180 ft / 2,770 ft (969 / 844 m) |
| Maximum take-off weight | 13,870 lb (6,291 kg) |
| Length / wingspan / height | 51 ft 2 in / 53 ft 4 in / 15 ft 2 in (15.6 / 16.26 / 4.6 m) |
Source: Textron Aviation: Citation CJ3 Gen3.
Best for: pilots stepping up to a light jet that can still fly 4 hours nonstop.
6. Citation M2 Gen3: The Entry-Level Jet
The M2 Gen3 is the smallest Citation: up to 7 occupants, an 11 ft cabin and 1,550 nm of range. It is certified for one pilot and has the Garmin G3000 cockpit, autothrottles and Emergency Autoland as standard.
Citation M2 Gen3 specifications
| Citation M2 Gen3 | Figure |
|---|---|
| Maximum range | 1,550 nm (2,871 km) |
| Maximum cruise speed | 404 ktas (748 km/h); limit Mach 0.71 |
| Maximum occupants | 7 (single-pilot certified) |
| Cabin (L x H x W) | 11 ft x 57 in x 58 in (3.35 x 1.45 x 1.47 m) |
| Baggage | 45.6 cu ft (1.29 m3), up to 725 lb |
| Engines | 2 x Williams FJ44-1AP-21, 1,965 lb (8.74 kN) |
| Maximum altitude | 41,000 ft |
| Take-off / landing distance | 3,210 ft / 2,590 ft (978 / 789 m) |
| Maximum take-off weight | 10,700 lb (4,853 kg) |
| Length / wingspan / height | 42 ft 7 in / 47 ft 3 in / 13 ft 11 in (13.0 / 14.39 / 4.2 m) |
Source: Textron Aviation: Citation M2 Gen3.
Best for: pilots moving up from turboprops or piston aircraft, on trips of up to about 3.5 hours.
Which Citation Is Right for Which Trip?
| If you need to… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Fly coast to coast fast in a stand-up cabin | Citation Longitude | 3,500 nm, 483 ktas, 12 occupants |
| Have a stand-up cabin from short runways | Citation Latitude | 72 in cabin, 3,580 ft take-off |
| Carry the most people in a midsize | Citation Ascend | Up to 12 passengers |
| Fly yourself on 4 to 5 hour trips | CJ4 Gen3 | 2,165 nm, single-pilot, Emergency Autoland |
| Fly yourself on shorter trips for less | CJ3 Gen3 or M2 Gen3 | Single-pilot, Emergency Autoland, 2,040 or 1,550 nm |
Citation vs Its Rivals
The Citation Longitude competes with the Bombardier Challenger 3500 (3,400 nm by Bombardier’s measure) and the Embraer Praetor 600E (4,018 nm by Embraer’s), each measured under its maker’s own conditions. In light jets, the CJ4 Gen3 and CJ3 Gen3 compete with Embraer’s best-selling Phenom 300EV. See our guides to Embraer business jets and Bombardier jets.
Pros and Cons of Cessna Citation Jets
Pros
- The widest choice of models, from a 7-seat M2 to the 12-seat Longitude
- Garmin Emergency Autoland on the CJ4, CJ3 and M2 Gen3
- Stand-up 72 in cabins on the Longitude and Latitude
- The largest business jet fleet in the world, with 8,000 delivered by 2022
Cons
- Shorter range than large-cabin rivals: the Longitude tops out at 3,500 nm
- The CJ and M2 cabins are only 57 in tall
- Textron does not state range conditions for most models
Key Takeaways
- Cessna builds six Citation jets in 2026: Longitude, Latitude, Ascend, CJ4 Gen3, CJ3 Gen3 and M2 Gen3.
- The Longitude is the flagship: 3,500 nm, 483 ktas and up to 12 occupants.
- The three Gen3 light jets can be flown by one pilot and have Garmin Emergency Autoland.
- Citations are built by Textron Aviation in Wichita, Kansas; 8,000 had been delivered by 2022.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Citation jets does Cessna make?
Six in 2026: the super-midsize Citation Longitude, the midsize Citation Latitude and Citation Ascend, and the single-pilot Citation CJ4 Gen3, CJ3 Gen3 and M2 Gen3.
Which Citation has the longest range?
The Citation Longitude, at 3,500 nm, with a top cruise speed of 483 ktas and room for up to 12 occupants.
How many Citation jets have been built?
Wikipedia says Citation deliveries reached 8,000 by 2022, forming the largest business jet fleet in the world. The first Citation flew in 1969 and entered service in 1972.
Which Citations can be flown by one pilot?
The CJ4 Gen3, CJ3 Gen3 and M2 Gen3 are certified for single-pilot operation, and Textron lists Garmin Emergency Autoland on all three.
What is Garmin Emergency Autoland?
A system that can take over if the pilot is incapacitated: it stabilises the aircraft, picks a suitable nearby airport and lands there by itself. Textron lists it on the CJ4 Gen3, CJ3 Gen3 and M2 Gen3.
What is the Citation Ascend?
A new midsize Citation with up to 12 passengers and 1,940 nm of range. Wikipedia says it entered service in 2025.
Can you stand up in a Citation?
In the Longitude and Latitude, yes: both have a 72 in (1.83 m) tall cabin. The Ascend has 60 in standard or 68 in with an optional dropped aisle; the CJ and M2 cabins are 57 in tall.
How much does a Citation Longitude cost to run?
Textron’s Longitude page lists an hourly operating cost of US$2,903, with maintenance intervals of 800 hours or 18 months.
Who makes Cessna Citation jets?
Textron Aviation, based in Wichita, Kansas, which was formed in March 2014 and also owns the Beechcraft, Hawker and Pipistrel brands. It is part of the Textron group.
Featured image: FlyingFuel graphic using a photo of a Cessna Citation Latitude at Frederick, Maryland by Acroterion, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
PilatusPilatus PC-24 and PC-12 PRO Explained: The Swiss Planes That Land Almost Anywhere (2026)
Aircraft ComparisonsBoeing 747 vs Airbus A380: Which Is Bigger and Better? (2026)
NewsAeromexico to Fly Mexico City to Orange County, Fort Lauderdale and Portland From January 2027
NewsBoeing Narrows Q3 Loss to $116 Million, Still Targets First 777X Delivery in 2027
Embraer Executive JetsEmbraer Business Jets: Phenom 100EX, Phenom 300EV, Praetor 500E and 600E Explained (2026)
NewseasyJet to Fit Starlink Wi-Fi Across Its Airbus Fleet From 2027