Cessna Citation Ascend Enters Service with First Customer Delivery
WICHITA, Kansas Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced that the Cessna Citation Ascend has officially entered service following the delivery of the first aircraft to a retail customer on Tuesday, December 30. The milestone marks a major step for the midsize business jet, which was first announced in 2023.
The Citation Ascend features an all-new cabin, enhanced performance capabilities, and a luxurious flat-floor cockpit. The aircraft is expected to receive type certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in November 2025.
The first delivery of the Citation Ascend underscores Textron Aviation’s commitment to redefining the midsize segment with an aircraft that combines innovation, efficiency, and unparalleled comfort,” said Lannie O’Bannion, senior vice president of Sales and Marketing. “We look forward to seeing the Ascend begin its journey with customers around the world.”
Building on the legacy of the Cessna Citation 560XL series—of which more than 1,000 aircraft have been delivered since 2000—the Ascend continues the platform’s reputation for strong performance, operational efficiency, versatility, and passenger comfort.
Enhanced Pilot Experience
The Citation Ascend cockpit is equipped with the Garmin G5000 avionics suite, designed to reduce pilot workload and enhance situational awareness. Key features include automatic acceleration technology with flight envelope protection, three 14-inch ultra-high-resolution split-screen displays, dual flight management systems, and synthetic vision technology to depict terrain and obstacles.
Additional capabilities include a cabin voice and data satellite transceiver for cockpit satellite calls and real-time diagnostics, advanced weather detection and prediction, and optional controller-pilot data link communications (CPDLC) with a second Iridium data radio to support more direct routing between North America and Europe.
Designed for Productivity and Comfort
Passengers benefit from a spacious flat-floor cabin seating up to 12, complemented by advanced acoustic treatments that deliver a quiet ride comparable to highway driving. New cabin windows are nearly 15% larger, while customizable interiors and wireless control of lighting, temperature, window shades, and entertainment elevate the onboard experience.
Connectivity is supported by standard GoGo US Avance L3 Max Wi-Fi, with optional upgrades to US Avance L5 or GoGo Galileo HDX for enhanced in-flight connectivity.
Performance and Power
The Citation Ascend is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW545D engines, delivering improved fuel efficiency and increased thrust. The aircraft offers a maximum cruise speed of 441 knots (KTAS) and a range of 1,940 nautical miles (3,593 kilometers) with four passengers, along with a fuel payload of 900 pounds (408 kilograms).
An unattended Honeywell RE100 [XL] auxiliary power unit (APU) supports efficient preflight operations while reducing ground noise.
Comprehensive Service and Support
Textron Aviation provides extensive after-sales support through a global network that includes 20 company-owned service centers, 21 Authorized Service Facilities for Citation aircraft, and more than 80 Mobile Service Units worldwide. The company’s parts distribution network spans seven distribution centers and 17 warehouses, offering same-day shipping and access to more than 150,000 unique part numbers.
Customers receive 24/7 aircraft-on-ground (AOG) support, along with industry-leading maintenance intervals of 18 months or 800 flight hours. Warranty coverage includes five years or 5,000 hours on Garmin avionics, five years or 3,000 hours on engines, and two years on paint and interior. Engine overhaul intervals extend to 6,000 hours, with hot section inspections at 3,000 hours.
Advanced diagnostic technologies, including the Pratt & Whitney FAST™ Box and Textron Aviation’s LinxUs system, enable real-time fault monitoring and faster return-to-service times. For additional coverage, customers may opt for the PowerAdvantage Premium program, which includes environmental damage repair, mobile response team support, engine freight, and extraction and installation labor.
About Textron Aviation
We inspire the journey of flight. For more than 95 years, Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. company, has harnessed our collective talent through the Beechcraft, Cessna, and Hawker brands to design and deliver the best aviation experience to our customers. With a portfolio that includes business jets, high-performance turboprops and pistons, special mission aircraft, military trainers, and defense products, Textron Aviation boasts the world’s most versatile and comprehensive aviation product portfolio and a workforce that has produced more than half of all the world’s general aviation aircraft. Customers in more than 170 countries rely on our legendary performance, reliability, and versatility, along with our trusted global customer service network, for affordable, productive, and flexible flying.