NetJets takes delivery of first three Citation Ascend jets

Textron Aviation and NetJets officially signed fleet agreement on September 20, 2023.

Textron Aviation has delivered the first three Cessna Citation Ascend business jets to NetJets, marking the entry into service of the new midsize jet with the world’s largest private aviation fleet operator.

The Citation Ascend is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW545D engines, offering a four-passenger range of 1,940 nautical miles and a top speed of 441 knots. The cockpit is equipped with Garmin G5000 avionics including autothrottles, while the cabin seats eight passengers on a flat-floor configuration with a full refreshment centre.

NetJets has operated Citation jets across more than a dozen variants over the years, with the Ascend representing the latest addition to a relationship that already includes the Citation Latitude and Citation Longitude. Patrick Gallagher, president of NetJets Aviation, said owners have consistently shown a preference for midsize jets, with the Ascend reflecting the next step in that progression.

Textron Aviation said further deliveries to NetJets are expected in the coming months.

Textron Aviation and NetJets officially signed fleet agreement on September 20, 2023. The deal, estimated to be worth approximately $30bn, grants NetJets the option to purchase up to 1,500 additional Cessna Citation business jets over the next 15 years.

Under the terms of the contract, NetJets was designated as the fleet launch customer for the then-under-development Citation Ascend.