The first retail customer of the Cessna Citation Ascend business jet took delivery of the aircraft on 30 December 2025, marking the aircraft’s entry into service.
The Citation Ascend’s new cockpit is equipped with the Garmin G5000 avionics suit and features Autothrottle technology, three large, 14-inch ultra high-resolution displays with split-screen capabilities, dual flight management systems and synthetic vision tech to render obstacles such as mountains or terrain.
Cockpit voice and data satellite transceiver to make satellite calls from the cockpit and support real-time diagnostics is also included, transmitting in-flight faults to ground support for advanced troubleshooting. Other features include Garmin advanced weather detection and avoidance technology and optional second Iridium data radio and controller-pilot data link communications (CPDLC) to support customers with more direct routing between North America and Europe.
The spacious flat floor cabin can accommodate up to 12 passengers and has an advanced acoustic treatment system for a quiet, comfortable environment similar to that of driving a car down the highway. The cabin windows are nearly 15% larger and customisable interior options and wireless control of lighting, temperature, window shades and entertainment are offered.
The Ascend includes standard Gogo U.S. Avance L3 Max Wi-Fi and customers have an option to select optional U.S. Avance L5 Wi-Fi or Gogo Galileo HDX connectivity solutions.
The aircraft has two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW545D engines and Textron Aviation has incorporated an unattended Honeywell RE100 [XL] Auxiliary Power Unit for efficient pre-flight preparations and reduced noise on the ground.
“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 of Sales & Marketing. “We look forward to seeing the Ascend begin its journey with customers around the globe.”
Textron Aviation’s aftermarket support for Citation Ascend owners offers 20 company-owned service centres worldwide, 21 Authorized Service Facilities (ASFs) for Citation jets and more than 80 Mobile Service Units and the company’s expanded parts distribution network—with seven distribution centres and 17 stockrooms globally—offers same-day shipping and online ordering for over 150,000 unique part numbers.
