May has been a busy month for news from Textron Aviation, including a pair of noteworthy developments for the Citation owner/pilot community.
Expanded Global Parts Distribution Center Opens
On May 2nd, Textron Aviation celebrated the grand opening of its largest parts distribution facility. With the addition of 180,000 square feet of space, the state-of-the-art facility in Wichita, KS offers significantly increased space for parts storage as well as faster shipping for thousands of Cessna, Beechcraft and Hawker aircraft operating worldwide.
“Adding 180,000 square feet to our headquarter facility provides expedited support to our customers around the globe and continues our investment in parts inventory,” said Brad White, senior vice president, Global Parts and Distribution. “The expansion of our parts distribution operations is a testament to Textron Aviation’s commitment to designing and delivering the best aviation experience for customers.”
Textron Aviation added the facility’s larger footprint allows for increased parts inventory investment, supporting parts availability for both new and existing models. The expansion also aims to improve the overall customer experience with a new, dedicated lane for customers to conveniently drop off or pick up parts in person.
The new facility also features energy-saving LED lighting and high-efficiency systems and process improvements that consolidate shipments and reduce vehicle travel by an estimated 30,000 miles annually. The company’s expanded parts facility in Wichita is part of a global network of seven parts distribution centers and 17 stockrooms.
Citation Ascend Program Expands Toward Certification
Textron Aviation also recently announced the successful completion of several certification tests by a prototype Cessna Citation Ascend business jet. The type was unveiled one year ago at the 2023 European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE) in Geneva.
“With the prototype aircraft’s successful completion of rigorous certification tests and over 350 flight test hours, we are confident in the development progress of the Citation Ascend,” said Chris Hearne, senior vice president, Engineering & Programs. “The success of the program to date highlights the skill and commitment of our teams in designing and delivering the best aviation experience for customers.”
The latest follow-on to the 560XL line, the Citation Ascend features Pratt & Whitney Canada PW545D engines with a more efficient high-pressure compressor, an enhanced single stage high-pressure turbine module and FADEC to deliver improved fuel efficiency, increased thrust and longer time-on-wing for eligible customers. The engine was recently certified by Transport Canada Civil Aviation.
The newest member of the Citation family is designed to bring a new cockpit, improved performance and a more luxurious cabin to the midsize business jet market. The aircraft’s state-of-the-art Garmin G5000 flight deck with autothrottle, high payload capacity and longer range offer customers reduced pilot workload and the ability to do more and go farther.