Textron Aviation — headquartered in Wichita, Kan. — in May announced its newest business jet in the 560XL series: the Cessna Citation Ascend.
The Citation Ascend has an entirely new cockpit, improved performance, and a more luxurious cabin for the midsize business jet market.
“Of the Citation family, there’s none more flown than the Citation 560XL series,” said Textron Aviation President and CEO Ron Draper. “With an 560XL aircraft taking off or landing every two minutes somewhere in the world, this aircraft will be part of the most successful business jet family. On behalf of our teams, we are proud to announce the latest innovation in the Citation family — the new Cessna Citation Ascend. We asked customers what they wanted in the next evolution of this iconic aircraft, and we believe the Citation Ascend will deliver.”
The Cessna Citation Ascend will offer state-of-the-art Garmin G5000 avionics, manufactured in Olathe, Kan.
“Garmin is honored that its G5000 integrated flight deck has been selected for the next-gen Cessna Citation Ascend aircraft, bringing leading-edge avionics, connectivity, and safety technologies to one of the most successful business jets in modern aviation history,” said Garmin Executive Vice President of Aviation Phil Straub. “We look forward to continuing our excellent business relationship with Textron Aviation for many years to come.”
The flight deck features the latest software and hardware, including:
- Autothrottle technology to reduce pilot workload and provide flight-envelope protection
- Three large, 14-inch ultra high-resolution displays with split-screen capabilities
- Standard dual flight management systems
- Synthetic vision to render obstacles like mountains or terrain
- Cockpit voice and data satellite transceiver to make satellite calls from the cockpit
- New Garmin advanced weather detection and avoidance technology
- Second Iridium data radio and CPDLC to support customers with more direct routing between North America and Europe (optional)
The aircraft will carry a higher combination of payload and fuel load while retaining access to short runways.
“The Cessna Citation Ascend builds upon more than 20 years of the 560XL series success in the market,” said Textron Aviation Senior Vice President of Global Sales and Flight Operations Lannie O’Bannion. “It’s designed to outperform and take our customers further in style.”
The Citation Ascend will include a flat floor to provide a new level of generous legroom and flexibility for passengers as well as fully customizable interior to meet customers’ needs.
“The flat floor is a game changer when it comes to comfort,” said Textron Aviation Senior Vice President of Customer Experience Christi Tannahill. “The design gives passengers more room to swivel their seats, stretch their legs and comfortably move around the cabin.”
Like all Cessna and Beechcraft turbine products, the Citation Ascend will be able to run on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Customers will have the option to take delivery of their aircraft with SAF and can refuel using SAF wherever available, including at the company’s Wichita Service Center.
The aircraft will include design improvements based on two decades of feedback from customers in the field, like a new wingtip for cleaner lines and edges, all LED lighting and a pylon work light over the baggage area for easier loading at night. In addition, a new larger cockpit side window creates a modern ramp appeal.
The Citation Ascend will give customers more of what they need to keep their aircraft operations running smoothly and efficiently. The aircraft is expected to hit the market in 2025.
