Textron Aviation has delivered the first three Cessna Citation Ascend aircraft to NetJets, which will introduce the type into service as the launch fleet operator.
NetJets is the world’s largest fractional private jet operator, managing a fleet of hundreds of aircraft across multiple categories. The company has been a long-standing customer of Textron’s Citation family and has previously incorporated models such as the Citation Latitude and Citation Longitude into its fleet.
The Citation Ascend was unveiled by Textron ahead of EBACE 2023 in Geneva as an updated version of the Citation 560XL (Excel) platform, a long-running aircraft widely used in the midsize segment. The first unit was delivered to a private customer in late December 2025, ahead of the initial fleet deliveries.
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The aircraft sits in the midsize category and competes with models such as the Embraer Praetor 500 and the Bombardier Challenger 3500. Textron lists seating for up to eight passengers, with a flat-floor cabin layout, full refreshment area and increased baggage capacity compared with earlier Citation models.
The Citation Ascend is equipped with the Garmin G5000 avionics suite, including autothrottle functionality, and is powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PW545D engines. The aircraft has a quoted range of 1,940 nautical miles with four passengers and incorporates an auxiliary power unit approved for unattended operation.
“NetJets is pleased to be the fleet launch customer of the Citation Ascend,” said Patrick Gallagher, president of NetJets Aviation. “Building on the success of the Citation Latitude and Citation Longitude, our owners have shown a preference for midsize jets, and the Ascend introduces updated cabin and cockpit features for this segment.”
The aircraft will enter service immediately within the NetJets network, with additional deliveries scheduled over the coming months as Textron increases output.
