Top 4 aviation news stories in August
- Marketing Central Aerospace
- 4 days ago
- 5 min read
Textron Aviation reaffirms its leadership in innovation and regional expansion. The company announced that the Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen 3 will offer global connectivity via Gogo Galileo HDX starting in 2026, while Citation CJ1 owners can now access a Garmin cabin upgrade with advanced avionics and new safety features. In addition, during LABACE 2025, the first sale of the Citation Longitude in Brazil was finalized, strengthening the brand's presence in Latin America. At the same time, Colombia stood out at the PA-RAST forum by presenting key advances in operational safety and fair reporting culture, consolidating its role in regional aviation.
1. Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen 3 will offer global connectivity with Gogo Galileo HDX
Future owners of the Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen 3 business jet will enjoy an additional advantage: the option to install the Gogo Galileo HDX connectivity system, a high-speed satellite internet solution that promises to keep passengers connected anywhere in the world.
The announcement, made by Textron Aviation, the model's manufacturer, highlights that this integration will allow customers to enjoy a more productive and seamless flight experience, with a low-orbit (LEO) network that reduces latency and ensures connection stability. The CJ4 Gen 3, unveiled in October 2024, is scheduled to enter service in 2026.
“Cessna Citation executive jets are renowned for their luxury and productivity. Whether for business or pleasure, this solution ensures that customers' flight experience is as connected as their life on the ground,” said Lannie O'Bannion, senior vice president of Sales and Marketing at Textron Aviation.
The relationship between Cessna Citation and Gogo is not new. For more than two decades, Citation models have incorporated connectivity technologies developed by Gogo. With Galileo HDX, based on an advanced platform, the company is committed to further enhancing the cabin experience by offering fast, reliable, and globally accessible internet.
The solution had already been announced in 2024 as an option for the Citation Longitude, Citation Latitude, and Citation Ascend. Now, its inclusion in the CJ4 Gen 3 expands the connectivity offering in the Citation family, reinforcing Textron Aviation's commitment to innovation and comfort in business aviation.
2. Textron Aviation launches Garmin cockpit upgrade for the Cessna Citation CJ1
Owners of the Cessna Citation CJ1 can now upgrade their aircraft with a complete Garmin avionics solution, following the supplemental type certificate (STC) granted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Textron Aviation, a subsidiary of Textron, announced that the upgrade is available across its global network of service centers, adding advanced safety and connectivity features to this light jet.
The technological upgrade includes the 12-inch Garmin G600 txi flight display, the TXi EIS engine indication system, the GTN 750 Xi GPS/NAV/COMM navigator, and the autopilot monitoring of stabilized approaches and speed alerts during takeoff. Optionally, operators can add the GWX 8000 StormOptix weather radar, the GDL 60 data link, and integration with the PlaneSync system.
“This upgrade enhances the flight experience and reflects our commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions for every stage of the aircraft's life,” said Brian Rohloff , senior vice president of customer service at Textron Aviation.
The Citation CJ1, certified in 2000 and with nearly 200 units produced through 2005, can carry up to eight occupants and achieve a range of 1,266 nautical miles. With this modernization, Textron Aviation ensures the integrity of the original system as it is an upgrade certified directly by the manufacturer.
3. Textron Aviation finalizes the first sale of the Cessna Citation Longitude in Brazil during LABACE 2025
Textron Aviation announced at LABACE 2025 the sale of the first Cessna Citation LongitudeCessna Citation Longitude in Brazil, a milestone that reinforces the US manufacturer's presence in the Latin American market. The aircraft, purchased by an undisclosed customer, will be delivered in 2026 and will be used for both corporate and personal travel.
The buyer already operates a twin-engine Citation along with Cessna and Beechcraft turboprops, reflecting confidence in the Textron Aviation fleet. With this addition, Brazil adds the most advanced super-midsize model in the Citation family, designed to combine range, efficiency, and comfort on regional and international flights.
The Citation Longitude can accommodate up to 12 passengers and offers a flat-floor cabin with seats that convert into berths, as well as an in-flight accessible luggage compartment. Its technical features include a range of 3,500 nautical miles (5,600 km), a maximum cruising speed of 483 knots, and a fuel payload of 1,600 pounds.
Marcelo Moreira, Textron Aviation's vice president of sales for Latin America, highlighted that Brazil is one of the most strategic markets in the region: “With its class-leading performance, quiet cabin, and range, the Citation Longitude is perfectly suited to the needs of our customers in Brazil, one of the most dynamic aviation markets in the world.”
The company also highlighted its strong position in Latin America. In 2024, it achieved a 40% share of competitive turbine aircraft deliveries, and currently more than 1,000 Citation jets and 2,100 Cessna and Beechcraft turboprops are in operation in the region.
4. Colombia leads the aviation safety agenda at regional forum with significant progress
Colombia opened the 68th meeting of the Pan American Regional Safety Team (PA-RAST) by reaffirming its leading role in operational safety in the region. The Civil Aviation Authority was responsible for presenting the progress made by the Transportation Safety Committees (CST), highlighting actions that strengthen trust, collaboration, and a culture of fair reporting in aviation.
During its presentation, the country underscored its commitment to monitoring and updating safety projects, ensuring that results are shared in a timely manner with states and strategic allies. Among the topics discussed were technical analyses of incidents such as avoided air collisions (TCAS/RA), bird strikes, risks posed by lithium batteries, and the operation of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).
Colombia also stressed the importance of promoting a culture of fair reporting, in line with ICAO Annex 19, which allows professionals to report incidents without fear of reprisals, thereby promoting learning and prevention. It also committed to strengthening cooperation between the state and industry, promoting the adoption of best practices identified by international groups such as CAST, and actively contributing to the Safety Partners Program Strategy.
Finally, the country reiterated that its actions will be in line with the new Global Aviation Safety Plan (GASP) and the conclusions of the Civil Aviation Safety Committee (ESC/40). Under the premise that “aviation safety is a non-negotiable intangible,” Colombia is consolidating its position as a key player in building safer, more resilient, and more efficient aviation on the continent.
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