The Cessna Citation Ascend has officially entered service upon the first customer for Textron Aviation’s latest private jet taking delivery of the new aircraft.
The US company confirmed on New Year’s Eve that the first “retail customer” took ownership of their Cessna Citation Ascend on December 30, 2025.
News of the delivery came only weeks after the aircraft was granted type certification by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on November 5, 2025.
“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 Lannie O’Bannion, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing. “We look forward to seeing the Ascend begin its journey with customers around the globe.”
The first production Cessna Citation Ascend rolled out of the Textron facility in Wichita, Kansas in September 2025. It thereby became the third aircraft in the program, following two earlier test articles that make up the Citation Ascend flight test fleet.
Part of the Cessna Citation 560XL family, the Citation Ascend was first announced in 2023, with Textron highlighting the entirely new cockpit, improved performance, and luxurious flat floor cabin.
More than 1,000 Cessna Citation 560XL series aircraft have been delivered to customers since 2000.
The latest Cessna jet is equipped with Garmin G5000 avionics, featuring the latest software including autothrottle technology and advanced weather detection/avoidance technology.
Two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW45D engines can power the aircraft up to 817 km/h over a maximum range of 1,940 nm.
When Textron Aviation launched the Citation Ascend at the EBACE convention in Geneva in 2023, the purchase price was announced as $16.725 million.