WICHITA, Kan.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Cessna Citation Ascend achieved a major milestone as the first retail customer took delivery of the midsize business jet on Tuesday, December 30, marking the aircraft's entry into service. Announced in 2023 the aircraft boasts an entirely new cockpit, improved performance and a luxurious flat floor cabin. The Citation Ascend received type certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in November 2025. The Cessna Citation Ascend is designed and manufactured ...

Core Points - The Cessna Citation Ascend has achieved FAA type certification, marking a significant milestone for Textron Aviation, with entry into service expected later this year [2][3] - The aircraft features an entirely new cockpit, improved performance, and a luxurious flat floor cabin, enhancing versatility and flexibility for customers [2][3] - The successful flight test program included over 1,000 flight hours and numerous certification tests [2][3] Aircraft Specifications - The Citation Ascend is equipped with Garmin G5000 avionics and powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW545D engines, providing a maximum speed of 441 knots (817 km/h) and a maximum range of 1,940 nautical miles (3,593 km) [4] - The aircraft has a full fuel payload capacity of 900 pounds (408 kg) [4] - It includes an unattended Honeywell RE100 [XL] Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) for efficient pre-flight preparation [5] Cabin Features - The cabin can be configured for up to 12 passengers and offers luxurious amenities similar to the Cessna Citation Latitude and Longitude, including a flat floor for enhanced legroom [6] - Advanced acoustic treatment ensures a quiet environment, with cabin sound levels comparable to driving a car on the highway [8] - The cabin features larger windows (approximately 15% larger) for increased natural light and includes multiple charging ports and wireless control for lighting and entertainment [9][10] Technology and Innovation - The aircraft incorporates autothrottle technology to reduce pilot workload and enhance flight safety [7] - It features three large, 14-inch ultra high-resolution displays, synthetic vision technology, and advanced weather detection systems [7] - Connectivity options include standard GoGo U.S. Avance L3 Max Wi-Fi and optional U.S. Avance L5 Wi-Fi for global communication [10]