- News
- Sep 14, 2025
- 3 min read
Textron Aviation Rolls Out First Production Ascend
Textron Aviation employees have celebrated the rollout of the first production Cessna Citation Ascend. The latest model in the 560XL family is expected to receive FAA certification by year-end.
Textron Aviation has unveiled the first production Cessna Citation Ascend, the latest generation of the 560XL series. Over the past quarter-century, the manufacturer has delivered more than 1000 560XL aircraft.
Unveiled at EBACE in 2023, the midsize Ascend made its first flight in June last year and will eventually replace the XLS Gen2 in the company’s product lineup. It is expected to receive FAA certification by year-end.
Employees at the OEM’s assembly plant in Wichita held a celebration to mark the occasion. “It is your craftsmanship that continues to make important achievements like this possible,” said Todd McKee, senior vice president of integrated supply chain at Textron Aviation. “By introducing new technologies and bringing new features to the market, we continue to create the future for these legendary aircraft.”
In its standard configuration, the Ascend can accommodate up to nine passengers, while many of the aircraft’s design features are borrowed from its Latitude and Longitude siblings, including a flat floor for additional passenger legroom and the Garmin G5000 avionics suite with autothrottles.
The Ascend will feature a full-size airstair, an externally serviceable lavatory, single-point refueling, and an upgraded Honeywell RE100 (XL) auxiliary power unit that can be left unattended in flight. The aircraft will be equipped with 19 USB charging ports and three universal power outlets.
Textron Aviation has unveiled the first production Cessna Citation Ascend, the latest generation of the 560XL series. Over the past quarter-century, the manufacturer has delivered more than 1000 560XL aircraft.
Unveiled at EBACE in 2023, the midsize Ascend made its first flight in June last year and will eventually replace the XLS Gen2 in the company’s product lineup. It is expected to receive FAA certification by year-end.
Employees at the OEM’s assembly plant in Wichita held a celebration to mark the occasion. “It is your craftsmanship that continues to make important achievements like this possible,” said Todd McKee, senior vice president of integrated supply chain at Textron Aviation. “By introducing new technologies and bringing new features to the market, we continue to create the future for these legendary aircraft.”
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In its standard configuration, the Ascend can accommodate up to nine passengers, while many of the aircraft’s design features are borrowed from its Latitude and Longitude siblings, including a flat floor for additional passenger legroom and the Garmin G5000 avionics suite with autothrottles.
The Ascend will feature a full-size airstair, an externally serviceable lavatory, single-point refueling, and an upgraded Honeywell RE100 (XL) auxiliary power unit that can be left unattended in flight. The aircraft will be equipped with 19 USB charging ports and three universal power outlets.
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