Cessna Citation Ascend enters service with first customer delivery

Textron Aviation delivered the first Cessna Citation Ascend business jet on Tuesday to a retail customer, marking the aircraft's official entry into service. The aircraft received FAA type certification in November 2025. The Citation Ascend is designed and built by Textron Aviation Inc., a subsidiary of Textron Inc. "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, Sales andamp; Marketing. "We look forward to seeing the Ascend begin its journey with customers around the globe." More than 1,000 aircraft in the Citation 560XL series have been delivered since 2000. The company said the new model builds on that fleet by providing improved range, efficiency, and cabin comfort. The midsize jet, announced in 2023, features a redesigned cockpit, upgraded performance, and a flat-floor cabin. GlobalAir.com got a look inside the Ascend while at NBAA BACE in Las Vegas in Oct. 2025. View this post on Instagram A post shared by GlobalAir.com (@globalaircom) Ron Draper, President and CEO of Textron Aviation, said in Oct. that the Ascend was the latest addition to a very successful family of airplanes that came from the 560XL's. RELATED STORY: Cessna Citation Ascend lands in Las Vegas for debut at NBAA-BACE 2025The Ascend's cockpit includes the Garmin G5000 avionics suite with autothrottle, high-resolution displays, dual flight management systems, and synthetic vision technology. Optional equipment includes controller-pilot data link communications capability for trans-Atlantic operations. Textron said the upgrades are designed to reduce pilot workload while enhancing safety. It can seat up to 12 people and features an enhanced sound treatment system to lower cabin noise levels. The jet includes 15% larger cabin windows, wireless control of lighting and entertainment systems. It also includes standard Gogo Avance L3 Max Wi-Fi, with U.S. Avance L5 Wi-Fi or Gogo Galileo HDX as other connectivity options. The Citation Ascend is powered by two Pratt andamp; Whitney Canada PW545D engines. It has a maximum cruise speed of 441 knots true airspeed and a range of 1,940 nautical miles with four passengers. It also has a full fuel payload of 900 pounds. A Honeywell auxiliary power unit supports preflight operations and reduces ground noise. Textron Aviation said the Ascend is supported by its global maintenance network, including 20 company-owned service centers and more than 80 mobile service units. The aircraft includes maintenance intervals of up to 18 months or 800 flight hours. The company also offers optional coverage programs and remote diagnostic tools aimed at reducing downtime. RELATED ARTICLES:Textron receives FAA type certification for Cessna Citation AscendCessna Citation Ascend development program completes first production unitCessna Citation Ascend progresses with certification tests, flight testing