Story ID: 
NetJets Ends Citation XLS Jet Card Sales
By: Amy Wilder
Caption: Jet card changes coincide with fleet adjustments toward Citation Ascend
Word Count: 193
NetJets ceased selling its Citation XLS jet card on December 15 as the operator continues to phase out its midsize XL/XLS fleet, according to the private aircraft lift provider. The move follows an ongoing transition toward the new Citation Ascend, for which NetJets is the launch customer.
The company currently operates 40 Citation XLSs in the U.S., with additional fleets under Portuguese and UK registrations. Fifteen XLSs have been retired since early 2024, including eight this year, all in the U.S. NetJets had 55 XL/XLS aircraft as of November, down from nearly 80 at the beginning of 2025.
NetJets said the XLS jet card will be withdrawn as the XL/XLS fleet continues to be phased out in favor of the Ascend, the latest variant in the Excel/XLS family. The company has a long-term agreement with Textron Aviation for up to 1,500 Ascends. FAA approval for the Ascend was secured on November 5.
The XLS exit follows earlier adjustments to NetJets’ jet card program, including expanded 275- and 320-day tiers and the Phenom 300’s role as the guaranteed aircraft in the Specialty Card for flights under 3.5 hours.