Story ID: 
Textron Aviation Hands Over First Citation Ascend
By: Kerry Lynch
Caption: Aircraft received FAA certification in November
Word Count: 472
Two of Textron Aviation’s latest models have entered service with the first retail customer deliveries of the Cessna Citation Ascend to an unnamed retail customer and of a Citation CJ3 Gen2 to longtime Citation owners Dave Mecartney and Shannon Day.
Handover of the Ascend followed FAA certification of the aircraft in November. Launched at EBACE 2023, the Wichita manufacturer formally rolled out the first production model of the Ascend during a ceremony at its factory in September.
“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 senior v-p of sales and marketing Lannie O’Bannion.
While Textron Aviation did not disclose the first retail customer, it earlier announced NetJets as the launch customer under a multiyear potential $32 billion order placed in 2023 for up to 1,500 Citation Longitudes, Latitudes, and Ascends.
In an extensive update to Textron Aviation’s 560XL series, the Ascend brings a flat floor and larger windows to the family, along with the Garmin G5000 avionics suite and improved performance. With three 14-inch ultra-high-resolution displays and dual flight management systems, the G5000 folds in autothrottles, synthetic vision, advanced weather detection and avoidance, and a second Iridium data link, along with optional controller-pilot datalink communications.
The cabin can accommodate 12 passengers and features 15% larger windows, customizable interior options, and wireless control of lighting, temperature, window shades, and entertainment. Gogo’s Avance L3 Max Wi-Fi is standard but customers can upgrade to Avance L5 or Galileo HDX.
Two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW545Ds increase fuel efficiency and thrust, providing for a maximum speed of 441 ktas and 1,940-nm range. Other features include an unattended Honeywell RE100 [XL] auxiliary power unit.
Meanwhile, in what Textron Aviation called its “most comprehensive Gen2 investment to date,” the CJ3 Gen2 features key upgrades based on customer input, including that of Mecartney, a member of Textron Aviation’s customer advisory board who has nearly two decades of experience flying.  Upgrades include the addition of Garmin autothrottles, more pilot legroom, and a customizable cabin environment.
“The Citation CJ3 Gen2 delivers an unmatched experience from day one—thanks to its exceptional range, payload, and efficiency, combined with new productivity and comfort features,” O’Bannion said.
The CJ3 Gen2 has 4.5 more inches of pilot legroom and the latest Garmin G3000 suite, including autothrottles, touchscreen interface, and GDL60 for aircraft connectivity. The customizable interior can seat up to 10 occupants, and the aircraft has an externally serviceable lavatory.
 
, full_html