Textron Aviation Delivers Inaugural Cessna Citation Ascend Business Jet
Textron Aviation has proudly announced the delivery of its first Cessna Citation Ascend midsize business jet to a retail customer on December 30, 2025. This event marks the aircraft’s official entry into service, a mere two months after receiving FAA type certification in November.
The Citation Ascend is the latest iteration of the successful 560XL series. It boasts a redesigned cockpit equipped with the advanced Garmin G5000 avionics suite. This suite includes autothrottle technology and three 14-inch high-resolution displays. The aircraft is powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PW545D engines, offering a maximum speed of 441 knots and a four-passenger range of 1,940 nautical miles with a full-fuel payload of 900 pounds.
“The first Citation Ascend delivery underscores Textron Aviation’s commitment to redefining the midsize segment with an aircraft that blends innovation, efficiency and unmatched comfort,”
Lannie O’Bannion, Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Textron Aviation
The aircraft features nearly 15 percent larger cabin windows, a flat-floor cabin configuration that can accommodate up to 12 passengers, and standard Gogo Avance L3 Max Wi-Fi connectivity.
As the Citation Ascend enters the competitive super-midsize jet market, NetJets has already shown its confidence in the new aircraft by placing orders for up to 1,500 units as part of a massive fleet expansion. The 560XL series has seen more than 1,000 aircraft delivered since 2000, establishing the platform as one of business aviation’s most successful programs.
Source: AvWeb