NetJets becomes operational launch customer for Citation Ascend with triple delivery
May 6, 2026
Textron Aviation has delivered the first three Cessna Citation Ascend business jets to its fleet launch partner NetJets. The aircraft represents the latest incarnation of the best-selling Cessna Citation, which will compete in the medium-sized private jet market alongside the Embraer Praetor 500 and the Bombardier Challenger 350.
Textron delivers first three Citation Ascend aircraft to NetJets
Textron Aviation has delivered the first three Cessna Citation Ascend business jets to the type’s fleet launch partner, NetJets. NetJets was named the fleet launch customer for Textron’s Citation Ascend small to medium-sized light jet in September 2023, when the two firms signed an agreement for up to 1,500 Cessna Citation aircraft to be delivered over 15 years.
The simultaneous delivery of the trio of aircraft to NetJets on 5 May made the Berkshire Hathway-owned factional jet company the first private fleet operator to add the aircraft to its portfolio.
Part of the Cessna Citation 560XL family, the first Citation Ascend rolled off the production line at Cessna’s Wichita, Kansas assembly plant in September 2025 and received its Federal Aviation Administration type certificate at the end of the year. The company delivered the first Ascend to a retail customer in December 2025.
According to a statement issued by Textron, immediately upon delivery, the three aircraft delivered to NetJets will enter service with the operator, serving its global base of customers. Further deliveries of new Ascend aircraft to NetJets are expected in the coming months.
As the fleet launch customer, NetJets has played a major part in the type’s design and development and secured early delivery slots for the type. Additionally, Textron will be looking to NetJets to provide it with early operational data as to how the Citation Ascend is performing in a real-world commercial setting.
“The Citation Ascend represents our continued investment in supporting NetJets customers well into the future,” said Lannie O’Bannion, senior vice president, Sales & Marketing. “Building on the proven performance the Citation family is known for, the Ascend introduces new technology and comfort enhancements that matter to fleet customers,” he added.
Responding to O’Bannion’s comments, Patrick Gallagher, president of NetJets Aviation, said that the company was pleased to be the fleet launch customer of the Citation Ascend and that the type would build on the success of the Citation Latitude and Citation Longitude in the NetJets fleet.
The delivery of the first Citation Ascends builds on the longstanding relationship between Textron Aviation and NetJets. Over the years, NetJets has owned and operated a wide range of Cessna Citation business jets, including the Citation S/II, Bravo, V Ultra, Encore, Encore+, VII, Excel, XLS, Sovereign, X, Latitude and Longitude models.
What the Citation Ascend brings to NetJets
According to Textron, the Citation Ascend brings “an entirely new cockpit and a more luxurious cabin” to the midsize business jet market. The aircraft achieves a maximum speed of 441 knots and a four-passenger range of 1,940 nautical miles (3,593 kilometres), complemented by a full fuel payload of 900 lb (408 kg).
Powered by a pair of Pratt & Whitney Canada PW545D engines, the Ascend also features a full glass cockpit equipped with Garmin G5000 avionics technology, including full autothrottle capability, highly automated touchscreen cockpit instruments for reduced pilot workload, plus improved situational awareness and other safety features.
The Ascend also features a Honeywell RE100 [XL] Auxiliary Power Unit approved for unattended operations. Meanwhile, its interior can accommodate up to eight passengers, alongside a full refreshment centre and a spacious baggage compartment.
The Citation Ascend builds on the trusted Citation platform
Although the Citation Ascend has been developed from an existing platform in the Citation 560XL, the type does represent a strategic leap forward in a very practical segment of business aviation of midsized jets. The Ascend introduced an upgraded cabin from previous Citation models, allowing it to better compete with its competitors while offering better amenities and an improved customer experience.
For NetJets, the Ascend is likely to be a useful addition to its fleet going forward. With its enhanced economics, simpler maintenance, and proven systems, the Ascend provide the company with the ability to operate multiple sectors per day, with improved reliability and shortened turnaround times.
The company expects the Citation Ascend to be popular across the sectors in which it operates, including fractional ownership, private charter, and VIP transport.
Featured image: Textron Aviation
