The aircraft is joining the hottest sector in aviation: super midsized biz jets.
Super midsize jets are the hottest category in private aviation, and now Textron’s latest craft has joined the fray. The company just delivered its first Cessna Citation Ascend this past week to an unnamed owner, marking its official launch onto the aviation scene. The model, which was announced back in 2023, received its FAA certification this past November.
The Citation Ascend is the newest member of Cessna’s popular 560XL series. This time around, the company added 15 percent larger cabin windows for the jet’s 12 passengers to enjoy, as well as an advanced acoustic system for quieter flights, customizable interiors, and wireless control of lighting, temperature, and more onboard. The cockpit, meanwhile, is now home to the Garmin G5000 avionics suite, which includes tech such as autothrottle tech, three 14-inch ultrahigh-resolution displays and advanced weather protection.
As for grunt, the new biz jet gets its juice from a pair of Pratt & Whitney Canada PW545D engines, allowing the aircraft to dart to a max speed of 441 knots. The Citation Ascend can also carry four passengers for 1,940 nautical miles, which can take you nearly anywhere in the U.S., Canada, or Mexico.
“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, said in a statement. “We look forward to seeing the Ascend begin its journey with customers around the globe.”
NetJets has been waiting for the Citation Ascend to start its journey, too. The private-jet-card firm placed an order for up to 1,500 of the new aircraft, alongside Citation Longitudes and Latitude models, reportedly to the tune of $32 billion, according to AIN. And the Citation Ascend is just one of many super midsized jets in the skies as of late, thanks to the category’s perfect blend of transcontinental range, manageable costs, and tech. Gulfstream dropped its G300 at the end of September, while a new Embraer Praetor is another jet on the horizon. We may see even more biz jets joining the sector yet.
