Super midsize jets are the hottest category in private aviation, and now Textron’s newest aircraft is joining the fray.
The company just last week delivered its first Cessna Citation Ascend aircraft to an unnamed owner, marking its official entry into aviation. The model is scheduled to be released in 2023 and received FAA certification last November.
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The Citation Ascend is the newest member of Cessna’s poplar 560XL series. This time around, the company has added 15 percent more cabin windows for the plane’s 12 passengers, an advanced sound system for quieter flights, customizable interiors, and wireless control of onboard lighting, temperature, and more. Meanwhile, the cockpit is now home to the Garmin G5000 avionics suite, which includes technologies such as autothrottle technology, three 14-inch ultra-high-resolution displays and advanced weather protection.
As for flight speed, the new business jet is powered by a pair of Pratt & Whitney Canada PW545D engines, allowing the aircraft to reach a maximum speed of 441 knots. The Citation Ascend also has a range of 1,940 nautical miles for four passengers, taking you almost anywhere in the United States, Canada or Mexico.
“The delivery of the first Citation Ascend underscores Textron Aviation’s commitment to redefining the midsize aircraft market with an aircraft that blends innovation, efficiency and unparalleled comfort,” said Lannie O’Bannion, Textron’s senior vice president of sales and marketing, in a statement. “We look forward to watching Ascend begin its journey with customers around the world.”
NetJets has also been waiting for Citation Ascend to start its journey. The private jet card company has orders for up to 1,500 new aircraft and Citation Longitude and Latitude models, said to be worth $32 billion, according to AIN. The Citation Ascend is just one of many super midsize jets taking to the skies these days, thanks to the category’s perfect blend of transcontinental range, manageable costs and technology. Gulfstream abandoned the G300 in late September, and the new Embraer Praetor is another jet on the horizon. We may see more business jets join the industry.
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