Textron Aviation and NetJets today announced a record fleet agreement in which NetJets will have the option to acquire up to 1,500 more Cessna Citation business aircraft over the next 15 years.
According to Textron, this arrangement will prolong NetJets' current fleet agreement and provide options for an increasing number of aircraft each year over a 15-year period.
The announcement extends the two companies' present 40-year collaboration and will oversee NetJet's fleet of new Cessna Citation Ascend, Citation Latitude and Citation Longitude aircraft.
Citation Ascend deliveries are planned to begin in 2025, when, according to Textron, the aircraft is expected to enter service.
Textron Aviation president and CEO Ron Draper emphasises how Textron Aviation is the largest aircraft provider to NetJets: “NetJets customers around the world continually select Citations as their aircraft of choice. We’re honoured 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.”
During the last eight years, NetJets has taken delivery of over 800 aircraft from Textron Aviation, which includes the execution of over 300 options on Citation Latitudes and Longitudes.
Doug Henneberry, NetJets executive vice-president of Aircraft Asset Management, highlighted the strategic relationship between both companies: “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.”
