NetJets has taken delivery of three Cessna Citation Ascend business jets from Textron. NetJets is the launch customer and operates a large, diverse private jet fleet – it is the first private fleet operator to take delivery and begin operations with the Citation Ascend.

Setting new standards in performance, comfort and operational efficiency for the midsize business jet market, the Citation Ascend builds on the longstanding relationship between Textron Aviation and NetJets by offering owners a seamless progression of advanced aircraft designed to deliver exceptional reliability, efficiency and luxury.

“NetJets is the world leader in private aviation, known for its unwavering commitment to safety and service. The Cessna Citation Ascend is the newest way to experience that,” comments Patrick Gallagher, president, NetJets Aviation. “NetJets is pleased to be the fleet launch customer of the Citation Ascend. Building on the success of the Citation Latitude and Citation Longitude, our discerning owners have shown a preference for midsize jets, and the Citation Ascend represents the next evolution in midsize jet travel, delivering the latest in exceptional design and comfort.”

“The Citation Ascend represents our continued investment in supporting NetJets customers well into the future,” adds Lannie O'Bannion, senior vice president, sales and marketing. “Building on the proven performance the Citation family is known for, the Ascend introduces new technology and comfort enhancements that matter to fleet customers. We look forward to supporting NetJets as it takes delivery of its first Ascend and continues delivering a premium, dependable experience for customers around the world.”

The Ascend offers NetJets owners a blend of productivity, performance and luxury. Key features include: spacious, luxurious cabin – a flat floor with generous legroom, seating configuration for eight passengers, a full refreshment centre and spacious baggage compartment provide unparalleled comfort during every flight; leading avionics – equipped with Garmin G5000 technology, the Citation Ascend features the latest software and hardware, including autothrottles for enhanced operational ease; and enhanced efficiency and power – powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW545D engines, the Ascend delivers increased thrust, improved fuel efficiency and a four-passenger range of 1,940 nautical miles.

Through the years, NetJets has owned and operated industry-leading Citation business jets, including the Citation S/II, Bravo, V Ultra, Encore, Encore+, VII, Excel, XLS, Sovereign, X, Latitude and Longitude models. The company's new Ascend will begin operations immediately, offering NetJets owners premium amenities, ideal range and additional seating for both business and leisure travel. Additional deliveries of the Citation Ascend are expected in the coming months as the NetJets fleet continues to expand.

Textron Aviation supports Citation Ascend operators like NetJets with an unmatched global aftermarket network built for reliability and scale. With 20 company owned service centres, 21 ASFs, more than 40 mobile service units and 24/7 AOG support, expert assistance is always close at hand. An expanded parts distribution network enables fast access to more than 150,000 part numbers, helping maximise aircraft availability and minimise downtime across complex, high utilisation fleets.

The Citation Ascend brings an entirely new cockpit and a more luxurious cabin to the midsize business jet market. The aircraft achieves a maximum speed of 441 kts and a four-passenger range of 1,940 nm, complemented by a full fuel payload of 900 lbs.

With sleek and modern features, NetJets owners enjoy many of the luxuries found in the bestselling Citation Latitude and Citation Longitude, including a flat floor to provide generous legroom and flexibility for passengers. The Ascend also features a Honeywell RE100 [XL] APU approved for unattended operations.