But the interiors of all these can only, at best, be described as functional. You cannot compare them with a newly completed VVIP aircraft from Jet Aviation Basel. But this will soon be David Paddock’s new work life. 

Paddock is leaving his role as president of Jet Aviation in April to become president of sister company General Dynamics Land Systems. Jeremie Caillet, who has been running Europe, Middle East and Africa for Jet Aviation, will replace him. 

Paddock took over from Rob Smith in July 2019 and grew Jet Aviation through both Covid and the post-pandemic bounce. Jet Aviation is one of the few truly global business aviation companies. He had to deal with massive demand in the US while borders were closed in Asia. 

General Dynamics likes moving people around. Smith left to run General Dynamics’ Marine Systems which builds ships and nuclear submarines. Jason Aiken (former Gulfstream chief financial officer) is also switching from CFO of the parent company to be executive vice president of Technologies. 

Moving between divisions is much more common than it was 20 years ago. Talent managers (formerly known as human resource managers, and before that personnel) call this talent mobility or scaling horizontally. They say that you should no longer think of career ladders, but talent lattices (only people in HR would use this term). 

“Companies benefit by training more adaptable managers with interdisciplinary thinking. As individuals ascend to the C-suite and top business roles, their leadership skills and decades-honed soft skills often outweigh specialised knowledge,” says Tina Lee Jebely, founding partner, The Roja Agency. “Functional expertise can be learned and complemented by proficient teams supporting these leaders. From my vantage point as the founder of a talent agency, I’ve witnessed how executives who embrace talent mobility emerge as more well-rounded leaders.”

Textron is a keen believer in rotating staff. Ron Draper, CEO of Textron Aviation, also had senior roles at Bell and Textron Specialized Vehicles (which makes golf carts, buggies and snowmobiles). Senior officials at Textron Aviation are often switched around. Lannie O’Bannion, Textron Aviation’s senior vice president, global sales and flight operations, spent a year running North America customer service, before returning to sales. 

“Moving strong executives from division to division keeps business and cultural continuity,” says Craig Picken, managing partner of executive search firm Northstar Group, which specialises in aerospace and aviation. “It is easier and less upsetting to the business to move a strong player you know to a leadership position in a new division versus hiring a person you don’t know and hoping they don’t screw things up.” 

In February 2023 Bombardier switched several senior roles with Jean-Christophe Gallagher moving to heading aircraft sales and Bombardier Defense after growing the services business considerably. 

But what can smaller companies do? 

“In smaller enterprises or positions reliant on specialised expertise, the scope for talent mobility may be more limited. In these scenarios, the value of in-depth, industry-specific knowledge cannot be overstated,” says Lee Jebely. “These roles demand professionals who have not only mastered the nuances of their field but also have the acumen to navigate its unique challenges effectively. While horizontal moves may not be common in these settings, it’s worth noting that leadership skills and a broad business orientation can still be beneficial for organizational growth, even within specialized domains.”

Lawyers who have spent years learning a market are not likely to switch from aircraft to defence. “While aircraft finance lawyers can certainly expand into and advise on other asset classes, such as yachts, submarines, or supercars, and related practice areas, this shift demands rigorous study and preparation,” says Lee Jebely.

One way of getting outside expertise can be working for an association part time. 

“Smaller companies are continually grooming people in that they give them a lot of responsibility and throw them to the wolves. CFOs often become presidents. Business development professionals learn how to run a profit and loss and take over as a general manager,” says Picken. “Most small companies are seeking out athletes who can wear a few hats and stay nimble,” he adds. “But small companies see a lot of turnover versus the bigger conglomerates. If they can’t find what they need internally, they just go outside. If you’re a mid to senior level executive at a small company you tend to groom your outside networks and keep your eye open for opportunities as they come up.” 

Paddock’s move is an opportunity for Caillet who joined Jet Aviation in 2008 and has held a number of senior roles including vice president VIP Completions. An engineer by training, he started his career at Dassault Falcon Jet in the US. 

While Paddock will no doubt use the many things he has learnt in his successful time running Jet Aviation, you can be sure Caillet will not be copying any tank interiors.

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“The Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen2 is our most comprehensive Gen2 product announcement yet, offering customers proven performance, leading edge technology and an unmatched cabin experience,”  said Ron Draper, president and CEO, Textron Aviation. “As a pilot of the CJ3 series, I appreciate the aircraft’s excellent range, payload and efficiency, along with new productivity and comfort features.”

FlyExclusive has been named as launch fleet customer. “We take pride in being the fleet launch customer for the Citation CJ3 Gen 2, building on our decades-long relationship with Textron Aviation,” said Jim Segrave, founder, chairman and CEO of flyExclusive. “I am excited that our fractional customers will get to invest and travel in the top light jet in the world.”

For pilots, aircraft has Garmin Autothrottles, Optional Enhanced Vision System (EVS), a touch screen interface and new GDL60 aircraft connectivity. They also get 4.5 inches of extra legroom. Passengers may notice improved steps and lighting. There are also skylights in the lavatory, and a new optional sink and vanity design.

Like the CJ3+, the Citation CJ3 Gen2 seats 10 passengers. It has a maximum range of 2,040 nm.

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This agreement extends NetJets’ existing agreement, and includes options to increase the number of aircraft each year, with a choice of Cessna Citation Ascend, Citation Latitude and Citation Longitude aircraft.

NetJets has also been named the fleet launch customer for Textron Aviation’s newest jet — the Citation Ascend. Currently under development, deliveries of the Citation Ascend are expected to begin in 2025.

“NetJets customers around the world continually select Citations as their aircraft of choice. 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,” said Ron Draper, president and CEO, Textron Aviation. “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.”

Since the inception of the more than 40-year relationship between the companies, NetJets has taken delivery of more than 800 aircraft from Textron Aviation.

Doug Henneberry, NetJets executive vice president, Aircraft Asset Management said: “As a long-time, 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. 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.”

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Unveiled on the eve of this week’s EBACE 2023, the Citation Ascend features a new cockpit and improved performance. EBACE attendees will have access to a Citation Ascend mock up debuting during the show. Currently under development, the aircraft is expected to enter into service in 2025.

“Of the Citation family, there’s none more flown than the Citation 560XL series. With an 560XL aircraft taking off or landing every two minutes somewhere in the world, this aircraft will be part of the most successful business jet family,” said Ron Draper, president and CEO, Textron Aviation. “On behalf of our teams, we are proud to announce the latest innovation in the Citation family — the new Cessna Citation Ascend. We asked customers what they wanted in the next evolution of this iconic aircraft, and we believe the Citation Ascend will deliver.”

The Citation Ascend will have Garmin G5000 avionics, including autothrottle technology to reduce pilot workload and provide flight-envelope protection, three 14-inch ultra high-resolution displays with split-screen capabilities and synthetic vision to render obstacles like mountains or terrain.

Pratt & Whitney Canada PW545D engines designed to deliver improved fuel efficiency to the predecessor, also give the Ascend increased thrust and longer time-on-wing. The aircraft has a four-passenger range of 1,900nm at high-speed cruise power (with an estimated maximum range of 2,100nm) it can cruise at 441kts and climb direct to 45,000 ft. It will also include an unattended Honeywell RE100 Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) with self-management and added bleed leak detection.

Lannie O’Bannion, senior vice president, Global Sales and Flight Operations, said: “The Cessna Citation Ascend builds upon more than 20 years of the 560XL series success in the market. It’s designed to outperform and take our customers further in style. Our talented team members at Textron Aviation have proven their ability to bring new industry leading products to the market time and time again. We look forward to exceeding our customers’ expectations again with the new Cessna Citation Ascend.”

EBACE attendees can preview the Citation Ascend interior mock-up at Textron Aviation booth T-26 during the show. 

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“We asked customers what they wanted in the next evolution of this iconic aircraft, and we believe the Citation Ascend will deliver,” said Ron Draper, president and CEO, Textron Aviation. “With an 560XL aircraft taking off or landing every two minutes somewhere in the world, this aircraft will be part of the most successful business jet family.”

The $16.725m list price Citation Ascend follows the Cessna Citation Excel, Cessna Citation XLS and Cessna Citation XLS+ in the 560XL Series.

Textron says that the new Citation Ascend will have a similar performance to the Cessna Citation XLS Gen with a maximum range of 2,100nm (3,890km).

It says that it will be able to fly four passengers 1,900 nm at high-speed cruise. Powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW545D engines (the Cessna Citation XLS Gen has PW545Cs) it will be able to fly with heavier loads from shorter runways.

This means that you can take off from London City Airport for saganaki in Athens; fly from Helsinki to Porto for codfish casserole; or La Mole, France, to Prague for a Budvar.

A lot of the new upgrades will excite pilots (and owner pilots) rather than people who sit in the back. These include Garmin G5000 avionics (which is a real benefit for pilots flying other Citation Jets), auto throttle, synthetic vision and satellite cockpit voice and data transceivers. 

The thing passengers will notice the most is the flat floor. This may sound like a small improvement, but it is significant. “The flat floor is a game changer when it comes to comfort,” said Christi Tannahill, senior vice president, Customer Experience. “The design gives passengers more room to swivel their seats, stretch their legs and comfortably move around the cabin.”

The aircraft also has larger windows, wireless cabin controls, Gogo US Avance connectivity as standard, all LED lighting and much more. Textron also says it will be quiet inside the cabin when flying.

It has nine seats in standard configuration, but can take up to 12 passengers.

Textron is offering a five year or 3,000-hour engine warranty and two years warranty for paint and interiors. It says that it expects to be able to offer customers enrolled in its PowerAdvantage programme 18-month or 800-hour airframe maintenance; 6,000 hours between engine overhauls; and 3,000 hours hot section inspection.

It plans to amend the 560XL type certification of the aircraft so that pilots can move to the Ascend through a simple approved differences course.

Cynics (and competitors) will say that the Ascend is not a new aircraft, just an upgrade to the XLS Gen. It is hard to argue with this. But the XLS Gen was an upgrade to the Excel. Textron is a master of upgrading aircraft and there are a lot of improvements to tempt buyers to the Ascend. It it is a shame that they have not been able to announce an increase in range. Most buyers and operators will be happy with 2,100nm, but some would have loved them to add another 300nm.

The 560XL family does not get the same coverage as larger aircraft (including Textron’s Cessna Citation Longitude and Latitude). But it should. It is a key workhorse in the charter market; extremely popular with fractional operators and corporate flight departments; has loyal customers; and also brings many first-time owners into business aviation.

It has been an amazingly successful programme. Textron has delivered more than 1,000 Citation 560XLs over the past 20 years. You can see them selling a lot of flat-floored Ascends as well.

The Cessna Citation Ascend will offer  Garmin G5000 avionics featuring software and hardware, including:

• Autothrottle technology to reduce pilot workload and provide flight-envelope protection
• Three large, 14-inch ultra high-resolution displays with split-screen capabilities  Standard dual flight management systems
• Synthetic vision to render obstacles like mountains or terrain
• Cockpit voice and data satellite transceiver to make satellite calls from the cockpit New Garmin advanced weather detection and avoidance technology
• Second Iridium data radio and CPDLC to support customers with more direct routing between North America and Europe (optional)

Preliminary performance targets indicate: 

• Pratt & Whitney Canada PW545D engines equipped with a Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC)
• A four-passenger range of 1,900 nm at high-speed cruise power (with an estimated maximum range of 2,100 nm)
• Cruise at 441 kts
• And the ability to climb direct to 45,000 ft

Textron Aviation expects the aircraft to offer the following for buyers enrolled in the company’s PowerAdvantage programme:

• 18-month or 800-hour airframe maintenance intervals
• 6,000 hours between engine overhauls
• 3,000 hours hot section inspection
•  

The aircraft also will include more standard equipment to support troubleshooting, such as:

• An electronic engine chip detector
• Pratt & Whitney’s FAST box for full flight data acquisition, storage and transmission LinxUs and LinxUs Air for in-flight diagnostics transmission 
• Textron Aviation’s Aircraft Recording System, tracking more than 9,000 parameters during operations to support troubleshooting and trend monitoring

Buyers will also have warranties on the engine, paint and interior, including:

• Five-year or 3,000-hour engine warranty
• Two-year paint and interior warranties

More Cessna Guides:

Citation Longitude

Citation Latitude

Citation CJ3+

Citation CJ4

Citation M2

Citation Sovereign+

Citation Sovereign XLS+

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North Carolina-based operator, flyExclusive will purchase eight Cessna Citation XLS Gen2 aircraft and six Citation Longitudes (pictured), with deliveries expected in 2024 and 2025 respectively.

“This agreement reinforces flyExclusive’s rapid growth and further bolsters the company’s offerings in the fractional space,” said Jim Segrave, chairman and CEO, flyExclusive.

The company has also exercised its option to purchase another five Citation CJ3+ aircraft from its previous order of 30 CJ3+ jets earlier this year, with delivery expected in 2024.

With its fleet of 90 light, midsize, super-midsize and heavy jets, flyExclusive is a Part 135 owner and operator. The company provides jet club, partner and fractional programs.

Cessna Citation business jets are designed and built by Textron Aviation.

Ron Draper, president and CEO, Textron Aviation said: “We’re proud that flyExclusive, a growing fractional operator, has chosen the Citation XLS Gen2 and Citation Longitude to offer to their customers entering business aviation.”

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Ron Draper, president and CEO, Textron Aviation, said: “With its more environmentally friendly engine and largest cabin in its class, this is an aircraft that will change the landscape for high-performance single-engine turboprop aircraft. Today’s flight is just the beginning for what we anticipate will be a long list of important accomplishments as we prepare the aircraft for certification and customer deliveries.”

Piloted by senior test pilot Peter Gracey and chief test pilot Dustin Smisor, the Denali prototype, powered by GE’s Catalyst engine, took off from the firm’s west campus at Eisenhower International Airport. During the 2hr50m flight, the team tested the aircraft’s performance, stability and control, as well as its propulsion, environmental, flight controls and avionics systems.

The aircraft reached an altitude of 15,600 feet and attained speeds of 180 knots.

Gracey said: “From the beginning of the flight to the end, the Denali was simply flawless. It’s just a great aircraft to fly. The Catalyst engine was outstanding, and the aircraft performed to the levels we were anticipating. First flights really can’t go more smoothly than this. We are really off to an excellent start for the Denali flight test programme.”

The company is targeting certification for the Denali in 2023.

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The number of used Citations for sale is down to 4% of the in-service fleets, the lowest level in nearly 30 years. “That’s of any Citation,” Draper explained. “That could be 20-, 25-year-old airplanes. Most people actually want something less than 10 years old.” Also, the percentage of first-time buyers has doubled to 20%, Draper said.

The OEM’s CJ4 Gen2 had a good backlog, since its launch in February. The aircraft subsequently received FAA interior certification and was certified by EASA in June.

Meanwhile, the twin-turboprop SkyCourier is about 75% of the way through its FAA flight certification. While much of the focus on the SkyCourier has been its cargo capability, there is also a lot of interest in it as a 19-seat passenger aircraft. “We think we’re going to see a lot of demand on that side,” Draper said.

Textron Aviation’s turboprop-single Denali is expected to make its first flight by year-end. “We’d be selling a ton of these right now. We have a lot of customer interest in it. But we’re a couple of years away from that entering service,” said Draper.

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Ron Draper, President and CEO of Textron Aviation, said: “The aircraft is a result of our extensive conversations with our turboprop customers worldwide, as we continually increase innovation and next-generation capability to help them achieve their varied missions with greater comfort, technology and ease.”

The upgraded cockpit features the Innovative Solutions & Support (IS&S) ThrustSense Autothrottle, which automatically manages engine power from the take-off  through the climb, cruise, descent, go-around and landing. The autothrottles are said to cut pilots’ workload and help prevent engine over-speed or under-speed, over-temp and over-torque conditions.

New digital pressurisation

The other cockpit innovation is a new digital pressurisation controller, which automatically schedules cabin pressurisation during both climb and descent, further reducing pilot workload and increasing passenger comfort. The pressurisation gauges have been integrated with the Collins Aerospace Pro Line Fusion flight deck.

Cabin upgrades include a cabin altitude of 5,960ft at a typical cruising altitude of 27,000ft – more than 10% lower than the King Air 350i. The improved cabin altitude levels provide greater comfort for up to nine passengers, particularly during longer flights.

The redesigned bespoke cabin design features custom-built cabinetry, partitions and side ledges, upgraded materials and finishes, along with all new interior schemes. Standard on the King Air range are: pull-out work tables, power outlets, USB charging stations and an aft lavatory.

‘Greater sense of openness’

Christi Tannahill, Senior Vice President, Customer Experience, said: “We created an environment that provides passengers with a greater sense of openness inside the King Air. The cabin experience is such a critical element when choosing an aircraft, and it was important for us to surpass customer expectations. Their journey will not only be comfortable, but also a relaxing, enjoyable experience. The Beechcraft King Air 360 offers many of the amenities that our customers desire.”

Meanwhile, nearly 7,600 Beechcraft King Air turboprops have been delivered to customers worldwide since 1964, making it the best-selling business turboprop range in the world, according to the company. The global fleet has logged more than 62m flight hours in operations with all branches of the US military, business aviation and special mission roles.

Beechcraft King Air 360/360ER – at a glance

• -Cockpit improvements: Autothrottles and new digital pressurisation system
• -Cabin improvements: Cabin altitude of 5,960ft and redesigned interior
• -Prices: King Air 360 $7.9m and 360ER $8.795m
• -Currently in production, deliveries to start in the fourth quarter of 2020.

In the office: the Beechcraft King Air 360/360ER features cockpit improvements.

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“From an unmatched cabin experience to its commanding performance, the Citation Longitude truly sets a new standard for the business aviation industry,” said Ron Draper, president and CEO, Textron Aviation. “Our focus remains on equipping our customers with this revolutionary aircraft, and achieving this milestone is a pivotal step as we complete the final phase of the programme.”

Activity and interest in the aircraft remains strong as customers experience its capabilities first-hand. Earlier this year, the Citation Longitude completed a world tour, circumnavigating the globe and demonstrating impressive performance figures along the way.

The Longitude flight test programme, including functional and reliability testing, is complete. During testing, the aircraft completed more than 1,650 flights and accumulated more than 4,050 hours. Longitude production is also underway in Textron Aviation’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility where the jet benefits from cutting-edge assembly methods.

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