Textron Aviation has marked a significant programme milestone with the delivery of the first three Cessna Citation Ascend business jets to NetJets, the world’s largest private jet operator. The handover makes NetJets the launch fleet customer and the first operator to place the new midsize aircraft into service.
The entry into service of the Citation Ascend represents the latest chapter in a long-standing partnership between the two companies, with the aircraft designed to offer improved performance, enhanced passenger comfort and greater operational efficiency across high-utilisation fleets.
Lannie O’Bannion, senior vice president of Sales & Marketing at Textron Aviation, said the programme underscores the manufacturer’s long-term commitment to NetJets customers. “Building on the proven performance the Citation family is known for, the Ascend introduces new technology and comfort enhancements that matter to fleet customers,” adding “We look forward to supporting NetJets as they begin operations and continue delivering a premium, dependable experience worldwide.”
The Citation Ascend enters the midsize segment with a redesigned cabin and updated flight deck. The aircraft features a flat-floor cabin with seating for up to eight passengers, increased legroom and a full refreshment centre, alongside a sizeable baggage compartment aimed at both business and leisure travellers.
From the flight deck, the jet is equipped with Garmin G5000 avionics, including autothrottle capability designed to reduce pilot workload and improve operational consistency. Power is provided by twin Pratt & Whitney Canada PW545D engines, offering increased thrust and improved fuel efficiency. The aircraft has a four-passenger range of 1,940 nautical miles and a maximum cruise speed of 441 knots true airspeed.
Patrick Gallagher, president of NetJets Aviation, said the aircraft builds on strong demand within the midsize category. “Our owners have consistently shown a preference for this segment, and the Citation Ascend represents the next evolution in midsize jet travel, delivering the latest in design and comfort,” he said.
NetJets has a long history with the Citation family, having operated multiple variants including the Citation Latitude and Citation Longitude. The Ascend will join this established fleet and is expected to begin operations immediately, with additional deliveries scheduled over the coming months as the operator continues to expand capacity.
Textron Aviation said it will support Ascend operators through its global aftermarket infrastructure, which includes company-owned service centres, authorised facilities, mobile service units and round-the-clock aircraft-on-ground support. An extensive parts distribution network is also in place to maintain aircraft availability and minimise downtime.
The Citation Ascend programme introduces a new cockpit architecture and updated cabin design to the midsize market, while retaining key attributes from previous Citation models. Additional features include an auxiliary power unit approved for unattended operations, further enhancing operational flexibility for fleet operators such as NetJets.
With initial deliveries now complete, the focus shifts to operational deployment, as NetJets integrates the new type into its global network and brings the latest Citation variant into active service.