Textron Aviation’s Citation Ascend Slides into Home BACE

Textron Aviation is debuting the Cessna Citation Ascend this week at NBAA-BACE 2025, showcasing the latest edition of the venerable Excel/XLS as the midsize jet is on the cusp of FAA certification. This debut also comes a month after Textron Aviation rolled out the first production Ascend at its facilities in Wichita.

Launched at EBACE 2023, the Ascend first flew in June last year. Since then, two test articles have amassed more than 1,000 flight test hours. Certification is anticipated this year, with NetJets set as the launch customer under a multi-year 1,500-aircraft contract for the Citation Longitude, Latitude, and Ascend. Replacing the XLS Gen2 after its anticipated approval this year, the Ascend is the next step in a product line that has numbered more than 1,000 deliveries since 2000.

Significantly, the Ascend is the first to offer a flat floor in the Excel/XLS line and borrows design features from Cessna’s super-midsize Longitude and midsize Latitude. Like its larger siblings, the Ascend features Garmin G5000 avionics with autothrottles—a change from the XLS+’s Collins Pro Line 21 system and completing the transition to Garmin avionics across the entire Citation product line.

Also new with the Ascend is a full-size airstair, an externally serviceable lavatory, single-point refueling, and an upgraded Honeywell RE100 (XL) auxiliary power unit. In addition, the aircraft cabin will be equipped with 19 USB charging ports and three universal power outlets.

The Ascend is offered with the Gogo Galileo HDX as an option, providing connectivity for multiple devices that require heavier data applications such as streaming. During a media flight aboard the Ascend ahead of NBAA-BACE, the Gogo system highlighted seamless use and fast processing.

“We asked our customers what they wanted in this iconic aircraft, and our teams worked to bring their vision for the Citation Ascend to life,” said Lannie O’Bannion, senior v-p of sales and marketing. “With the aircraft making its debut at NBAA-BACE, visitors can see the new Garmin G5000 cockpit and experience the sleek new interior features, including a flat floor, larger windows, and wireless cabin management system.”

O’Bannion noted that, as a result of the changes, “We’ve created a totally different experience for our customers.”