Textron Aviation Inc., a subsidiary of Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT), has announced that the Cessna Citation Longitude and the all-new Citation Ascend will make their inaugural appearance at the AERO Friedrichshafen, set to take place from April 22–25 in Friedrichshafen, Germany. This event marks a significant milestone for the Citation Ascend, as it will be its first showcase in the European market.

2. A Strong Legacy in European Aviation

Textron Aviation boasts a solid presence in the European aviation sector, with over 1,700 turbine aircraft actively operating in the region. The fleet includes more than 850 Cessna Citation business jets, 450 Beechcraft King Air turboprops, and 175 Cessna Caravan turboprops. This impressive number underscores the company’s commitment to providing advanced aviation solutions tailored to customer needs.

3. Customer-Centric Design of the Citation Ascend

Lannie O’Bannion, Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Textron Aviation, emphasized the customer-focused design philosophy behind the Citation Ascend. “We designed the Citation Ascend by listening to customers, then elevating an iconic platform to deliver more capability, comfort, and confidence for every mission,” he stated. This aircraft is equipped with modern avionics, a refined cabin, and proven performance metrics, making it an ideal choice for operators both in Europe and globally.

4. Aircraft Lineup on Display

Textron Aviation will feature a diverse lineup of aircraft at the AERO Friedrichshafen event. Attendees can visit the Textron Aviation static display SD-11 to see a variety of models, including:

Cessna Citation M2 Gen2 with Garmin Autothrottles

Beechcraft King Air 260

Cessna Grand Caravan EX featuring a new Saddle Sport executive interior and a McCauley propeller

Cessna Turbo Stationair HD equipped with a McCauley propeller

Pipistrel Virus SW

In addition, visitors can engage with representatives at the Textron Aviation booth A2-130, where they can explore:

Cessna Turbo Skylane with a McCauley propeller

Cessna Skyhawk with a McCauley propeller

Pipistrel Velis Electro

Pipistrel Explorer

5. Comprehensive Aftermarket Support

Textron Aviation is committed to providing extensive global aftermarket service and support for its Cessna and Beechcraft customers. The company has established a robust regional footprint in Europe, including five company-owned service centers and a network of Authorized Service Facilities (ASFs) to ensure expert care is readily available. The European Parts Distribution Center (EUDC) enhances the customer experience by offering fast shipping and reliable access to genuine parts, complemented by 24/7 Aircraft-On-Ground (AOG) assistance.

6. Features of the Citation Ascend

The Citation Ascend is designed for optimal performance and comfort, incorporating insights from customer feedback. Key features include:

Pratt & Whitney Canada PW545D Engines for fuel efficiency and increased thrust

Garmin G5000 Avionics with advanced software and hardware capabilities, including autothrottle technology

A Honeywell RE100 [XL] Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) approved for unattended operations

19 standard USB charging ports and three universal outlets, ensuring connectivity for all passengers

Configurable for up to 12 passengers, providing flexibility for various mission profiles

7. Conclusion

Textron Aviation’s participation in AERO Friedrichshafen highlights its ongoing commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction in the aviation industry. The debut of the Cessna Citation Longitude and Ascend, alongside a legendary lineup of aircraft, positions Textron as a leader in delivering superior aviation solutions tailored to market needs. As they prepare for the event, both the company and its customers are poised for a promising future in the skies.

Original press release