October 16th , 2023

Textron Aviation names flyExclusive fleet launch customer for newly-announced Citation CJ3 Gen2

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Textron Aviation, a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, today announced that flyExclusive has been named the fleet launch customer for the Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen2. The news came during the company’s press conference at the National Business Aviation Association - Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) event in Las Vegas. The Citation CJ3 Gen2, just announced this morning, raises the bar in the light jet market and is part of the next phase of flyExclusive’s fleet modernization efforts.

"We are thrilled to announce flyExclusive as the fleet launch customer for the Citation CJ3 Gen2, the latest addition to the industry-leading Citation family,” said Lannie O’Bannion, senior vice president, Global Sales and Flight Operations. “The CJ3 Gen2 is the ideal aircraft to enhance flyExclusive's existing fleet, offering both passengers and pilots an elevated experience. With its proven performance, leading-edge technology, and unmatched cabin amenities, this aircraft reflects our commitment to innovation and excellence in aviation.”

In 2022, flyExclusive, a leading provider of premium private jet charter experiences, announced an ambitious fleet modernization program that included an order of up to 44 new Textron Aviation aircraft, including up to 30 CJ3+ light aircraft. flyExclusive operates a fleet of Cessna Citation jets including Citation X, Citation Sovereign, Citation Excel/ XLS, Citation CJ3 /CJ3+ and Citation Encore / Encore+ aircraft models.

“flyExclusive customers expect the best, and we believe the best planes money can buy are built and serviced by Textron Aviation,” said Jim Segrave, Founder, Chairman and CEO of flyExclsuive said. “We take pride in being the fleet launch customer for the Citation CJ3 Gen 2, building on our decades-long relationship with Textron Aviation. I am excited that our fractional customers will get to invest and travel in the top light jet in the world.”

The Citation CJ3 Gen2 is the most comprehensive Gen2 product to date. Attendees at NBAA will enjoy access to a Citation CJ3 Gen2 mock up debuting during the show at the company’s static display at Henderson Executive Airport. Currently under development, the aircraft is expected to enter into service in 2025.

About the Citation CJ3 Gen2

The Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen2 redefines business aviation, setting new standards in the light jet market. Designed with pilot input, the cockpit boasts a spacious 4.5 inches of extra legroom for the pilot. The Garmin G3000 avionics system features autothrottle technology and seamless connectivity for reduced workload and heightened situational awareness, as well as optional Enhanced Vision System (EVS) to provide improved clarity and optimized situational awareness.

Passengers will appreciate the spacious and customizable cabin where they can create their ideal environment with features such as swivel seating, RGB accent lighting, USB-C power at every seat, wireless charging, executive tables and ample storage. The lavatory features CoolView skylights for natural light, an optional modern sink and vanity, and is externally serviceable for added convenience.

The Citation CJ3 Gen2 will offer standard seating for nine passengers, with an option for eight passengers with additional storage. With a maximum range of 2,040 nm and a maximum payload of 2,135 pounds, the Citation CJ3 Gen2 offers excellent range, payload and superior field performance to enable pilots to achieve a variety of missions in extensive conditions.

About Textron Aviation

We inspire the journey of flight. For more than 95 years, Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. company, has empowered our collective talent across the Beechcraft, Cessna and Hawker brands to design and deliver the best aviation experience for our customers. With a range that includes everything from business jets, turboprops, and high-performance pistons, to special mission, military trainer and defense products, Textron Aviation has the most versatile and comprehensive aviation product portfolio in the world and a workforce that has produced more than half of all general aviation aircraft worldwide. Customers in more than 170 countries rely on our legendary performance, reliability and versatility, along with our trusted global customer service network, for affordable and flexible flight.

For more information, visit www.txtav.com| www.defense.txtav.com| www.scorpionjet.com.

About Textron Inc.

Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell, Cessna, Beechcraft, Pipistrel, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Arctic Cat, Textron Systems, and TRU Simulation + Training. For more information, visit: www.textron.com.

About flyExclusive

flyExclusive is a vertically-integrated, FAA regulated operator of private jet experiences offering customers on-demand charter, Jet Club, and fractional jet services to destinations across the globe. As one of the world’s largest operators of Cessna Citation aircraft, flyExclusive owns a floating fleet of more than 90 light to heavy jets. The company manages all aspects of the customer experience, ensuring that every flight is on a modern, comfortable and safe aircraft. flyExclusive’s in-house Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul services, including paint, interiors, and avionics capabilities, are provided from its campus headquarters in Kinston, North Carolina. To learn more, visit www.flyexclusive.com.

Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements which may project revenues or describe strategies, goals, outlook or other non-historical matters; these statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the efficacy of research and development investments to develop new products or unanticipated expenses in connection with the launching of significant new products or programs; the timing of our new product launches or certifications of our new aircraft products; our ability to keep pace with our competitors in the introduction of new products and upgrades with features and technologies desired by our customers; changes in government regulations or policies on the export and import of our products; demand softness or volatility in the markets in which we do business; and performance issues with key suppliers or subcontractors.

Source: Textron