The Federal Aviation Administration has granted type certification to the Cessna Citation Ascend, marking a significant milestone for Textron Aviation Inc.’s latest addition to its midsize business jet lineup. The certification, awarded on Wednesday, 5 November 2025, paves the way for the aircraft to enter service later this year.

The Citation Ascend represents a comprehensive upgrade to the popular Citation 560XL series, which has seen more than 1,000 aircraft delivered since 2000. The new model features an entirely redesigned cockpit, enhanced performance capabilities, and a luxurious flat-floor cabin designed to provide operators with increased versatility for various mission profiles.

Two flight test aircraft completed more than 1,000 flight hours and underwent numerous certification tests to meet FAA requirements. The rigorous testing programme validated the aircraft’s performance specifications and safety systems before receiving regulatory approval.

“The Citation Ascend’s successful flight test program reflects our teams’ expertise in obtaining FAA certification while designing and delivering the best aviation experience for our customersWe sought our customers’ feedback, and the result is a business jet that offers customers the latest innovations in performance, productivity and efficiency.” 

Chris Hearne, senior vice president, Engineering & Programs

Equipping customers with Garmin G5000 avionics featuring the latest software, the cockpit includes:

• 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 tech to render obstacles like mountains or terrain
• Cockpit voice and data satellite transceiver to make satellite calls from the cockpit
• Garmin advanced weather detection and avoidance technology
• Second Iridium data radio and controller-pilot data link communications (CPDLC) to support customers with more direct routing between North America and Europe (optional)

The Citation Ascend is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW545D engines, which deliver improved fuel efficiency and increased thrust compared to its predecessors. The aircraft achieves a maximum speed of 441 knots true airspeed (817 km/h) and offers a maximum range of 1,940 nautical miles (3,593 km). With a full fuel payload capacity of 900 pounds (408 kg), the jet provides operators with flexibility for various mission requirements.

The aircraft is equipped with a Honeywell RE100 [XL] Auxiliary Power Unit that features self-management capabilities and bleed leak detection. The unattended APU system allows pilots to efficiently prepare for flights, including cabin heating and cooling operations with reduced fuel consumption and noise levels.

The Citation Ascend incorporates design elements from Textron Aviation’s Cessna Citation Latitude and Citation Longitude models, including a flat-floor cabin configuration that provides enhanced legroom and passenger flexibility. The aircraft can accommodate up to 12 passengers depending on configuration.

An advanced acoustic treatment system reduces cabin noise to levels comparable to highway driving in a car, creating an environment conducive to conversation, work, or relaxation. The redesigned cabin features windows that are approximately 15 percent larger than previous models, allowing increased natural light. The windows include translucent and opaque shade settings, with optional lighted window rings available.

The aircraft comes equipped with 19 standard USB charging ports and three universal outlets distributed throughout the cabin, ensuring all crew and passengers have access to at least one charging point. The Citation Ascend also features first-in-class wireless phone charging capability.

Passengers can wirelessly control cabin lighting, temperature, window shades, and onboard entertainment systems. An optional Bongiovi immersive sound system is available to enhance the in-flight audio experience.

For connectivity, the aircraft includes standard Gogo U.S. Avance L3 Max Wi-Fi, with optional upgrades to U.S. Avance L5 Wi-Fi or Gogo Galileo HDX for Wi-Fi and worldwide calling capabilities.

The Citation Ascend joins Textron Aviation’s established portfolio of business jets, building on the proven track record of the Citation 560XL series, which has been favoured by operators for its combination of performance, comfort, operational ease, and operating efficiency.

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Visual by Textron Aviation Inc