Business AviationTextron Aviation delivers first Cessna Citation Ascend to customer
Textron Aviation delivered the first Cessna Citation Ascend to a customer on December 30, 2025, marking the entry into service of its new midsize business jet.
The Citation Ascend received type certification from the Federal Aviation Administration in November, enabling deliveries to begin before year-end.
“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, Sales & Marketing.
The Ascend can seat up to 12 passengers and is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW545D engines. It offers a maximum speed of 441 knots (817 km/h) and a range of 1,940 nautical miles (3,593 km) with four passengers.
Textron Aviation unveiled the Citation Ascend program in 2023, positioning it against established models in the midsize jet segment. The aircraft joins competitors such as the Embraer Praetor 500 and Bombardier Challenger 350, which offer similar capacity, range, and cabin comfort.
The Citation Ascend’s FAA certification campaign involved over 1,000 flight hours and extensive testing on two prototypes, validating updates to the cockpit and performance enhancements.
About the Author
Ricardo Meier
Creator of the website that started in 1996 as a magazine. He also writes on Brazilian websites AUTOO, MOTOO and MetrôCPTM.
