Textron Aviation introduced the Citation M2 Gen2 with Garmin Autothrottle into service on January 14 2026, marking the first operational deployment of the upgraded light‑entry jet.
The aircraft is powered by two Williams FJ44‑1AP‑21 engines, cruises at 404 knots, and has a range of 1,550 nautical miles. It typically seats eight occupants, though some operators configure the cabin for seven passengers. Garmin’s Autothrottle system provides automated speed control, flight‑path precision, and protection against over‑ and under‑speed conditions, allowing pilots to focus on mission‑critical tasks.
The M2 Gen2 is Textron’s most delivered light‑entry jet, and the launch follows FAA certification of the Garmin integration in October 2025. While the company has reported revenue growth in recent quarters, segment profit has been pressured by mix shifts and warranty costs. The new feature is expected to help attract new orders and support margin expansion by differentiating the product in a market that increasingly demands advanced automation.
In the competitive light‑jet landscape, the M2 Gen2 competes with the Embraer Phenom 300, Cessna Citation CJ4, and Dassault Falcon 2000. Adding Garmin Autothrottle gives the M2 Gen2 a technological edge that competitors are only beginning to adopt, potentially enabling Textron to command a pricing advantage and higher customer satisfaction.
The entry into service is a milestone that may drive order growth in the coming year. Textron’s management remains focused on scaling production and maintaining cost discipline, while the new feature positions the M2 Gen2 to capture a larger share of the growing demand for pilot‑assist technologies.
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