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

Amy Wilder

NetJets ceased selling its Citation XLS jet card on December 15 as the operator continues to phase out its midsize XL/XLS fleet, according to the private aircraft lift provider. The move follows an ongoing transition toward the new <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2025-11-05/textron-aviations-citation-ascend-gets-faa-nod">Citation Ascend, for which NetJets is the launch customer</a>.
The company currently operates 40 Citation XLSs in the U.S., with additional fleets under Portuguese and UK registrations. Fifteen XLSs have been retired since early 2024, including eight this year, all in the U.S. NetJets had 55 XL/XLS aircraft as of November, down from nearly 80 at the beginning of 2025.
NetJets said&nbsp;the XLS jet card will be withdrawn as the XL/XLS fleet continues to be phased out in favor of the Ascend, the latest variant in the Excel/XLS family. The company has a long-term agreement with Textron Aviation for up to 1,500 Ascends. FAA approval for the Ascend was secured on November 5.
The XLS exit follows earlier adjustments to NetJets’ jet card program, including expanded 275- and 320-day tiers and the Phenom 300’s role as the guaranteed aircraft in the Specialty Card for flights under 3.5 hours.

News and issues concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.

NetJets Stops Selling Citation XLS Jet Cards

Jet card changes coincide with fleet adjustments toward Citation Ascend

NetJets will stop selling the Citation XLS jet card on December 15 as it phases out the midsize fleet and transitions to the new Ascend.

NetJets Ends Citation XLS Jet Card Sales

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Matt Thurber

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

New app will be released in early 2026 for management of Azurite features

Elevate Lifts Credit Card Fees on Jet Card Purchases

Clients gain broader international aircraft access

PlaneSense Expands Europe Access with CaptainJet

New tool lets travelers split charter costs in Canada

Airble Launches Jetpooling Charter Option

Kerry Lynch

Greg Johnson AI is coming to the charter market sooner than people think

Charter Exec Urges Operators To Prep for AI

Issues regarding financing of aircraft; aviation insurance; tax issues for aircraft operators; new companies and people in the aviation financing and insurance industries.

Part 135 sector remains healthy overall

U.S. Air Charter Activity Robust, but Lags 2021 Peak

Jessica Reed

News about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

In this article

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

Textron Aviation

NetJets

More In Charter & Fractional

Elevate Lifts Credit Card Fees on Jet Card Purchases

New app will be released in early 2026 for management of Azurite features

PlaneSense Expands Europe Access with CaptainJet

Clients gain broader international aircraft access

Airble Launches Jetpooling Charter Option

New tool lets travelers split charter costs in Canada

Charter Exec Urges Operators To Prep for AI

Greg Johnson AI is coming to the charter market sooner than people think

U.S. Air Charter Activity Robust, but Lags 2021 Peak

Part 135 sector remains healthy overall

Berkshire Hathaway Expands NetJets CEO’s Leadership Role

Adam Johnson will continue as NetJets CEO while overseeing 32 consumer products, service, and retailing companies

Baker Aviation Buys 20 Challenger 300s from Flexjet

Wholesale charter provider is adding the super-midsize jets to its fleet of Citation Xs

XO Unveils Corporate Tier for Business Travel

Multi-user accounts offer simultaneous flight capability

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