Textron Aviation’s Citation Ascend Gets FAA Nod | Aviation International News

Textron Aviation’s Citation Ascend Gets FAA Nod

Aircraft was launched at EBACE 2023 and rolled out in September

Textron Aviation Cessna Citation Ascend (Photo: Textron Aviation) — Textron has received a series of approvals in recent months for upgrades to its Citation family, the Ascend becoming one of the most significant. © Textron Aviation

By Kerry Lynch • Editor, AIN monthly magazine

November 5, 2025

Textron Aviation received FAA approval for its Cessna Citation Ascend yesterday, paving the way for the latest iteration of the venerable Excel/XLS midsize jet family to reach market later this year. Launched at EBACE 2023, the Ascend brings a flat floor to the family, along with the Garmin G5000 avionics suite and improved performance. NetJets is slated to be the launch customer under a multi-year 1,500-aircraft contract for the Citation Longitude and Latitude, as well as the Ascend.

Coming amid the government shutdown, certification followed the debut of the aircraft at NBAA-BACE in October and the rollout of the first production model in September at Textron Aviation’s headquarters in Wichita. FAA approval was the culmination of numerous certification tests and more than 1,000 flight hours accrued on two flight test articles, Textron Aviation said.

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Cessna Citation 560XL, Excel, XL, XLS, and Ascend

Textron Aviation

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