NetJets Aviation (EJA, Columbus John Glenn, OH) has taken delivery of the group's first three Citation Ascends, becoming the fleet launch customer of the type. The jets form part of an order for 1,500 Citation aircraft placed by NetJets with Textron Aviation in late 2023, including Citation Ascend, Citation Latitude, and Citation Longitude models scheduled for delivery through 2038.

“Building on the success of the Citation Latitude and Citation Longitude, our discerning owners have shown a preference for midsize jets, and the Citation Ascend represents the next evolution in midsize jet travel, delivering the latest in exceptional design and comfort,” said Patrick Gallagher, president at NetJets Aviation.

Configured for up to eight passengers, NetJets Aviation's first Citation Ascends are N10QS (msn 560-6507), N12QS (msn 560-6508), and N14QS (msn 560-6510). While all three are currently parked at Wichita Eisenhower, they completed roundtrips to Dallas Addison on April 30 and May 1 under the company's 'EJA' code.

The total number of Citation Ascend units scheduled for delivery to NetJets Aviation remains undisclosed. “Additional deliveries of the Citation Ascend are expected in the coming months as the NetJets fleet continues to expand,” a joint statement by NetJets Aviation and Textron Aviation said.

A fourth Citation Ascend, N15QS (msn 560-6512), is expected to be the next unit delivered to the fractional ownership specialist. The type secured United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification on November 5.

NetJets Aviation is adding the Ascends to replace the Citation XLS type, which has been gradually phased out since early 2024, with a total of 27 units retired and all scrapped at Bangor International by C&L Aviation Group. The company continues to operate twenty-eight Citation XLS in the United States, along with 13 under Portugal's NetJets Transportes Aéreos and seven under NetJets (United Kingdom).

Speaking to Private Jet Card Comparisons, Gallagher said NetJets plans to phase out the Citation XLS fleet by the end of 2027, noting that the aircraft will not be released onto the secondary market. “We’re very carefully managing where the aircraft are dispositioned versus selling them or trading them in as we've done in the past,” he added.

Of NetJets' 1,500-aircraft order covering the Citation Ascend, Citation Latitude, and Citation Longitude, a total of 261 Citation Latitudes, ninety-three Citation Longitudes, and three Citation Ascends have been delivered and are assigned to the group's United States and Portuguese fleets.

NetJets' global fleet further comprises several other aircraft manufactured by Bombardier Business Aircraft, Dassault Aviation, and Embraer Executive Jets.