Textron Aviation is to make the first deliveries of its new flagship Cessna Citation Longitude super-midsize business jet following FAA type certification in September.

“The newly certified Citation Longitude brings unrivalled technology to the business travel market, for both the passenger and the pilot, offering our customers the most efficient and productive super-midsize jet now in operation,” says president and CEO Ron Draper. “We are thrilled to now transition this programme into service.”

The Longitude features the longest maintenance intervals in its class, 800 hours or 18 months, and is the most cost-effective aircraft in its category.

“The Longitude was designed around maximising reliability and operational availability for our customers,” adds senior vice president, global customer support Kriya Shortt. “Its industry-leading on board diagnostics system is backed by Textron Aviation's team of 3,000 customer service employees. Our expert technicians trained alongside the development of the programme and are ready to support our customers wherever they are in the world.”

The clean-sheet design of the Longitude integrates the latest technology throughout the aircraft, including the next evolution of the Garmin G5000 flight deck, and is powered by FADEC-equipped Honeywell HTF7700L turbofan engines with fully integrated autothrottles with envelope protection. Cessna says the bespoke interior has class-leading legroom, cabin sound levels that are nearly twice as quiet as the nearest competitor, a low cabin altitude of 5,950 ft and more standard features than all other competitors in this segment. It has a range of 3,500 nm and full fuel payload of 1,600 pounds and with seating for up to 12 passengers, including an optional crew jump seat, it features a stand up, six foot tall flat-floor cabin. Fully berthable seats are designed and manufactured in-house and a spacious walk-in baggage compartment is accessible throughout the entire flight. Cabin technology enables passengers to manage their environment and entertainment from any mobile device, while high-speed internet maximises in-flight productivity.