Textron Aviation announced December 31 that its Cessna Citation Ascend midsize business jet had entered service after acquiring type certification from the FAA in November. According to Textron, the new plane features a new cockpit, large cabin windows, onboard WiFi, and a pair of Pratt & Whitney PW545D engines.
In a statement, Lannie O’Bannion, Textron’s Senior VP of Sales & Marketing, said the new plane signals Textron’s dedication to midsized aircraft. “We look forward to seeing the Ascend begin its journey with customers around the globe,” O’Bannion said.
The Citation’s new cockpit reportedly includes a Garmin G5000 avionics suite for flight controls, satellite calls from the cockpit, real-time diagnostics, weather detection and radio. The interior’s windows, Textron says, are larger than previous models.
Aside from the Cessna line of planes, Textron Aviation manufactures turboprop planes like the Beechcraft line, as well as piston and defense products.
About the Author
Ryan Secard
Ryan Secard joined Endeavor B2B in 2020 as a news editor for IndustryWeek. He currently contributes to IW, American Machinist, Foundry Management & Technology and Plant Services on breaking manufacturing news, new products, plant openings and closures, and labor issues in manufacturing.