Fractional giant NetJets reaffirmed its strong commitment to the Cessna brand by inking a massive deal with Textron Aviation for options to purchase up to 175 super-midsize Cessna Citation Longitude jets and up to 150 large-cabin Cessna Citation Hemisphere aircraft.
If all options are exercised, the deal would be one of the largest in business aviation history, likely totaling nearly $10 billion. NetJets has operated a fleet of nearly 500 Cessna Citations since 1984, and the agreement could increase the company’s fleet to more than 800 airplanes over the next 10 to 15 years. The option to purchase the Hemisphere makes NetJets the launch customer for the airplane.
“We are proud to expand our relationship with NetJets once again through this significant milestone for the Citation Longitude and Citation Hemisphere,” said Scott Donnelly, Chairman, President and CEO of Textron Inc., speaking at the annual National Business Aviation Association Convention in Orlando, Florida. “The Longitude fleet will build on the success NetJets has enjoyed with the Citation Latitude midsize jet. Through its class-leading performance, operating efficiency and the quietest cabin experience in its category, the Citation Longitude redefines the super-midsize segment. The Citation Hemisphere will follow with its revolutionary approach to performance and the large cabin experience.”
Adam Johnson, NetJets Chairman and CEO, called the deal “yet another new chapter in NetJets — and aviation — history.”
With a range of 3,500 nautical miles and full fuel payload of 1,600 pounds, the Citation Longitude delivers a quiet cabin, a low cabin altitude (5,950 feet) and a long list of standard features in its comfortable interior. It is priced at about $26 million.
Powered by two Safran Silvercrest engines, the Citation Hemisphere will incorporate a full fly-by-wire flight control system. Announced in November 2015, it was expected to fly in 2019 but its development was delayed earlier this year as issues were resolved with the Silvercrest engines. It is priced at about $35 million.
