Federal Aviation Administration Certifies Citation Ascend The United States regulatory and safety body the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has given the necessary approvals for the Textron Aviation Cessna Citation Ascend model. The aircraft is really the latest iteration of the Excel/XLS base model that has been so popular in the midsize market. The Citation Ascend was first announced at the 2023 edition of the European Business Aviation Conference and Exhibition (EBACE). Since it is the latest variation of the Excel/XLS class, what does the new jet offer to customers that is different?
The aircraft is improved overall performance wise, practicality wise, technology wise in the cockpit as aesthetics wise in the cabin. The Ascend model will effectively replace the Citation XLS GEN 2. Pratt & Whitney Canada PW545D are on the Ascend offering improved thrust and fuel efficiency. Top speed is now 441 ktas with a range of 1,940 nautical miles. The cabin benefits from new windows which are 15% larger than the older windows. Customers have the option to add lighted window rings as well. The floor is now fully-flat without the valley in the middle. Connectivity onboard is provided by Gogo Avance L3 Max Wi-Fi. Optionally there is the Avance L5. In the cockpit the avionics suite is the Garmin G5000 which has three large 14-inch ultra-high-resolution displays. Autothrottles are also there. As standard dual flight management systems, synthetic vision system; cockpit voice and data satellite transceiver for satellite calls from the flight deck; Garmin advanced weather detection and avoidance technology; and, a second Iridium data radio and controller-pilot datalink communications supporting customers with more direct routing between North America and Europe (optional).
NetJets is expected to be the launch customer for the Citation Ascend as the new model is within one of the company's very large 1,500 plane orders from Textron Aviation. “The Citation Ascend’s successful flight test program reflects our teams’ expertise in obtaining FAA certification while designing and delivering the best aviation experience for our customers,” said Chris Hearne, senior v-p of engineering and programs. “We sought our customers’ feedback, and the result is a business jet that offers customers the latest innovations in performance, productivity, and efficiency.”
Two flight test articles were utilized that amassed more than 1,000 flight test hours. The Citation Ascend made its show debut at the 2025 edition of the NBAA-BACE in October. The first production unit rolled out from the factory in Wichita in September. Within the context of the United States government shutdown to be able to have this new model approved within this timeframe is a great occurrence for Textron Aviation. They can now focus on ramping up production and service entry protocols for customer-bound aircraft. For more information: Textron Aviation One Cessna Blvd, Wichita, KS www.txtav.com ***
