Employees gathered to celebrate the achievement, which represents the latest advancement in the legendary 560XL series of business jets. “Today is a big celebration and thank you to everyone who has been a part of building up to this point. It is your craftsmanship that continues to make milestones like this possible,” said Todd McKee, senior vice president, Integrated Supply Chain. “By infusing new technology and bringing new features to the market, we continue to drive the future for us to build these legendary aircraft.”

With more than 1,000 deliveries over the past 25 years, the Citation 560XL family has been recognised for its performance, comfort, efficiency, and broad mission capability. The Citation Ascend builds on this legacy, designed in response to customer feedback and incorporating modern features for enhanced performance and passenger experience.

The aircraft is powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PW545D engines, delivering improved thrust and fuel efficiency. Its Garmin G5000 avionics suite includes the latest hardware and software, with autothrottle capability. A Honeywell RE100 [XL] Auxiliary Power Unit, approved for unattended operations, adds to the operational flexibility.

Inside, the cabin offers a flat floor for increased legroom and adaptability, along with 19 USB charging ports and three universal outlets to ensure every passenger and crew member has easy access to power. With a standard nine-passenger seating configuration, the aircraft draws on design elements from Textron’s larger Citation Latitude and Citation Longitude, combining efficiency with comfort.

Textron Aviation says the Citation Ascend will set a new benchmark in the midsize jet category, reinforcing the enduring appeal of the Citation brand.