Textron Aviation has made the first major announcement of this year’s edition of the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE) executive jet show in Geneva.
On May 22, 2023, the American manufacturer presented its new Cessna Citation Ascend, a midsize business jet. The aircraft, which seats nine passengers in its standard seating configuration and has a maximum capacity of 12, is the latest iteration of the popular Citation 560XL jet series, which counts more than 1,000 in service around the world.
Some of the novelties with respect to the preceding variants of this jet family are its entirely new cockpit, fitted with the Garmin 5000 avionics suite, and a renovated and customizable cabin, featuring windows that are 15% larger and are fitted with digitally controlled shades.
Textron relied on an advisory design board of owners, pilots, mechanics and passengers to gather feedback and produce the new concept.
The Cessna Citation Ascend will be powered by Pratt & Wittney Canada PW545D engines and is expected to make its first flight before the end of 2023 and enter service in 2025. Until then, would-be buyers and industry observers will have to make do with the mock up displayed by Textron during EBACE.
And the list price? $16.75 million.