Cessna Citation Ascend Enters Service

At the end of 2025, the midsize business jet market saw a major new addition with the official entry into service of the Cessna Citation Ascend, delivered to its first retail customer on 30 December. This milestone represents the completion of a program announced in 2023 and demonstrates Textron Aviation's commitment to enhancing performance, technology, and cabin experience in one of the most competitive sectors of business aviation.

The Citation Ascend received type certification from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in November 2025. Building on the successful history of the Citation 560XL series, which has seen over 1,000 aircraft delivered since 2000, the Ascend provides a fully modernised platform tailored for operators prioritising productivity today.

Citation 560XL

“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,” said Lannie O’Bannion, senior vice president of Sales & Marketing. “We look forward to seeing the Ascend begin its journey with customers around the globe.”

Central to the Citation Ascend is a completely new flight deck equipped with the Garmin G5000 integrated avionics suite. This design aims to lessen pilot workload and improve situational awareness. The cockpit features autothrottle technology with flight-envelope protection, three expansive 14-inch ultra-high-resolution displays with split-screen capabilities and dual flight management systems.

The sophisticated safety and connectivity features include synthetic vision technology that provides real-time displays of terrain and obstacles, Garmin’s latest weather detection and avoidance systems, and a cockpit voice and data satellite transceiver for satellite phone calls and real-time diagnostics. In-flight problems can be communicated directly to ground support teams, allowing for faster and more efficient troubleshooting. Optional additions such as a second Iridium data radio and controller–pilot data link communications (CPDLC) enhance operational flexibility, particularly for transatlantic flights between North America and Europe.

Pilots enjoy a highly automated and user-friendly cockpit, while passengers experience a roomy, flat-floor cabin that offers comfort comparable to larger aircraft. The Citation Ascend can seat up to 12 passengers and includes advanced soundproofing that provides an exceptionally quiet atmosphere, similar to the noise level of a car travelling on a highway.

The cabin windows, which are nearly 15% larger, allow plenty of natural light to fill the interior. A variety of customizable interior options let operators adapt the cabin to their specific mission needs. Passengers can use wireless controls to adjust lighting, temperature, window shades, and entertainment directly from their personal devices, highlighting the aircraft's emphasis on convenience and efficiency.

Another advantage is connectivity. The standard Gogo U.S. Avance L3 Max Wi-Fi ensures passengers stay connected during the flight, with upgrade options available to U.S. Avance L5 or Gogo Galileo HDX solutions for increased bandwidth and broader coverage.

The Citation Ascend features two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW545D turbofan engines that improve thrust and fuel efficiency. The aircraft can achieve a top cruise speed of 441 knots true airspeed and has a range of 1,940 nautical miles (3,593 km) when carrying four passengers. Additionally, it provides a full-fuel payload capacity of 900 lb (408 kg), enabling versatile mission operations.

An unattended Honeywell RE100 XL auxiliary power unit (APU) improves preflight efficiency by minimising ground noise, thereby increasing the aircraft's attractiveness to corporate and charter operators.

Textron Aviation provides support for the Citation Ascend via an extensive global network. Owners have access to 20 company-operated service centres worldwide, 21 authorised Citation service facilities, and more than 80 mobile service units. A robust parts distribution system, featuring seven distribution centres and 17 stockrooms globally, allows for same-day shipping of over 150,000 part numbers. This includes Absolute Aviation right here in South Africa.

The maintenance schedule is remarkable, offering an industry-leading airframe inspection every 18 months or 800 hours. The aircraft comes with a Garmin avionics warranty lasting five years or 5,000 hours, an engine warranty for five years or 3,000 hours and extended engine overhaul intervals reaching up to 6,000 hours. Advanced diagnostic tools, including Pratt & Whitney’s FAST™ system and Textron Aviation’s LinxUs platform, assist in minimising downtime and speeding up the return of aircraft to service.

Combining advanced avionics, luxurious cabin comfort, and impressive performance, the Cessna Citation Ascend is set to transform the midsize business jet market as it enters service. It upholds the Citation legacy while focusing on future advancements.