On Wednesday, Textron Aviation and NetJets announced the terms of a record-breaking deal between the longstanding partner companies for the purchase of up to 1,500 Citation jets. NetJets will also serve as the launch partner for the Citation Ascend, which was announced at the National Business Aviation Association’s European Business Aviation Convention and Expo in May.
The fleet agreement extends over the next 15 years, with deliveries of the Ascend to begin after type certification is achieved and entry into service projected for 2025. The deal also includes the Citation Latitude and Longitude.
“NetJets customers around the world continually select Citations as their aircraft of choice,” said Ron Draper, president and CEO, Textron Aviation. “We’re honored to be the largest provider of industry-leading aircraft to NetJets and look forward to continuing to work together to design and deliver the best aviation experience based on customer feedback. Expanding and adding the Citation Ascend to the NetJets fleet will provide its global customers with even more versatility and flexibility to accomplish their missions, building upon the exceptional performance and popularity of the Latitude and Longitude.”
In a media briefing on Tuesday, Draper talked about the strength of the fractional market overall, as well as indicating the Ascend has been part of the company’s commitment to introducing a clean-sheet design on a regular cadence with significant improvements to popular Textron Aviation models. “We’re proud of our current product lineup, but we’re excited about the new [models] we’re bringing,” he said.
Since the partnership began more than 40 years ago, NetJets has taken delivery of more than 800 aircraft, including the Citation SII, V, Excel/XLS, Sovereign, X, Latitude and Longitude.
“As a longtime, trusted ally who shares our commitment to safety and service, Textron Aviation is the ideal partner to help us expand our offerings to NetJets Owners with the introduction of the new Ascend to our midsize jet class, as well as by growing our overall fleet,” said Doug Henneberry, NetJets executive vice president, aircraft asset management. “Based on past demand for the popular Citation Latitude and Longitude, the new Ascend and all our new Citations will undoubtedly be well received by our owners, particularly those who depend on NetJets to help them do more and miss less.”
