On December 30, 2025, Textron Aviation delivered the first Cessna Citation Ascend to a retail customer in Wichita, Kansas, officially launching the aircraft’s entry into service. Type certification from the FAA was secured in November 2025, less than two years after the model’s public announcement in February 2023. This milestone expands Textron’s midsize business jet portfolio, which has already seen over 1,000 deliveries of the 560XL series since 2000, reinforcing the company’s leadership in the segment.

The Citation Ascend is equipped with Garmin G5000 avionics—three 14-inch high-resolution displays, dual flight management systems, autothrottle technology and synthetic vision—reducing pilot workload and enhancing safety. A luxurious flat-floor cabin for up to 12 passengers features nearly 15% larger windows, advanced acoustic treatment and wireless controls for lighting, temperature and entertainment. Standard GoGo U.S. Avance L3 Max Wi-Fi preserves in-flight connectivity, with optional L5 or Galileo HDX solutions to address varying customer requirements.

Powered by twin Pratt & Whitney Canada PW545D engines, the Ascend delivers a maximum true airspeed of 441 ktas and a four-passenger range of 1,940 nautical miles (3,593 km). The full-fuel payload of 900 lb (408 kg) and inclusion of an unattended Honeywell RE100 APU enable efficient mission planning and reduced ground noise. Improved fuel burn and increased thrust position the Ascend to challenge competing midsize jets on operating cost per hour and mission flexibility.

Textron Aviation’s global support network—20 company-owned service centers, 21 authorized facilities and over 80 mobile units—offers 24/7 AOG response and same-day shipping from seven distribution centers and 17 stockrooms for more than 150,000 part numbers. Maintenance intervals of 18 months or 800 hours, backed by multi-year Garmin, engine and paint warranties, along with the optional PowerAdvantage Premium program, strengthen residual values and reduce downtime, factors critical to fleet operators evaluating total cost of ownership.