Cessna Citation AscendPhoto: Julian Herzog (Website) · CC BY 4.0 · resized · representative variant
Indicative 2026 market price$17.88m (€16.56m) to $21.38m (€19.8m)
Estimated annual cost at 80 h$747k (€692k)
Five-year cash outlay$23.18m (€21.46m)

A Cessna Citation Ascend costs approximately $17.88m (€16.56m) to $21.38m (€19.8m) to buy at 2026 market values, and about $747k (€692k) a year to own flying 80 hours, roughly $9,342 (€8,650) per flight hour all-in. It seats 12, cruises at 441 kt (507 mph) and has a published range of 1,940 nm (3,593 km), needing about 3,799 ft (1,158 m) of runway. Figures are indicative planning estimates compiled 2026-07, not a quote for any specific airframe.

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Manufacturer-verified data

Extended technical specifications

First-party reference values for this model. They are shown separately from PlaneFit planning estimates and do not enter Finder or cross-model rankings until each field is normalised across the catalogue.

Maximum takeoff weight9,299 kg
Useful load3,465 kg
Usable fuel3,808 L
Landing distance969 m
Maximum operating altitude45,000 ft
Baggage weight363 kg
Engine2 x Pratt & Whitney Canada PW545D, 4,218 lbf thrust each

Key figures

Indicative planning data, compiled 2026-07. Verify against the AFM and records.

Seats12
Realistic payload with mission fuel5,146 lb (2,334 kg)
Published planning range1,940 nm (3,593 km)
Practical planning radius (4 people)1,300 nm (2,408 km)
Cruise speed441 kt (507 mph)
Runway need~3,799 ft (1,158 m)
Landing gearRetractable tricycle
PressurisedYes
FuelJet A-1
Fixed annual base$454k (€420k)
Direct cost per flight hour$3,672 (€3,400)

The ownership trade-off

A large cabin, efficient engines and short-field capability are attractive, but certification, delivery and pricing remain early-programme variables.

Cost picture at different usage

Indicative cash costs at 2026 market values, before financing, depreciation and tax. The fixed base is the same whether the aircraft flies or not, so the effective hourly cost falls as utilisation rises.

Annual useAnnual cash costEffective cost / hFive-year cash outlay
40 h / year$600k (€556k)$15,012 (€13,900)$22.44m (€20.78m)
80 h / year$747k (€692k)$9,342 (€8,650)$23.18m (€21.46m)
120 h / year$894k (€828k)$7,452 (€6,900)$23.91m (€22.14m)
180 h / year$1.11m (€1.03m)$6,192 (€5,733)$25.01m (€23.16m)

What the estimate covers

Every figure above is built from a $454k (€420k) fixed annual base, covering hangarage, insurance, scheduled maintenance reserves and recurring airworthiness costs, plus $3,672 (€3,400) per hour flown for fuel, reserves and consumables. It is a planning model for comparing aircraft and testing utilisation, not a maintenance programme quote, insurance quote or pre-buy assessment.

Older examples add calendar-driven maintenance: a 2011-built airframe is estimated at $796k (€737k) per year at 80 hours. Airframe and engine time, maintenance and damage history, avionics, equipment, geography and tax treatment move a real transaction further than the model year does, so price the aircraft in front of you, not the model. A cheaper example carrying deferred maintenance can be the more expensive aircraft once the first annual inspection is complete.

Cessna Citation Ascend cost guide answers the same figures as standalone purchase and ownership questions, and the ownership cost calculator lets you replace these assumptions with your own hours and fixed costs.

Where it fits well

  • 441 kt (507 mph) cruise supports fast regional travel.
  • 1,940 nm (3,593 km) published range creates a practical planning radius of about 1300 nm with 4 occupants.
  • 5,146 lb (2,334 kg) realistic payload proxy and 12 seats define the usable cabin mission.

Limitations to price honestly

  • A large cabin, efficient engines and short-field capability are attractive, but certification, delivery and pricing remain early-programme variables.
  • $454k (€420k) fixed annual planning base before flying a single hour.
  • Approximate 3,799 ft (1,158 m) take-off requirement must be checked against runway, surface, slope, temperature and loading.

Recommended missions

  • Family and small-group touring with a weight-and-balance check for every trip.
  • Longer regional missions, with reserves and payload reducing brochure range.
  • Time-sensitive business travel where dispatch reliability justifies the cost.

What you need to be qualified to fly a Cessna Citation Ascend

On top of a pilot certificate, this aircraft obliges the person flying it to hold the following. Each one is time and money before the first trip, and insurers usually attach their own minimums on top.

  • Type rating. This aircraft is turbojet-powered, so 14 CFR 61.31(a) requires a type rating for the specific type regardless of weight. Expect a formal initial course at a training provider and recurrent training every year, both of which insurers normally make a condition of cover.

US requirements under 14 CFR 61.31, stated for orientation and not as advice. PlaneFit is not an aviation authority or a training organisation. Other authorities set different rules, and the current regulation and your instructor are what govern.

Common questions about the Cessna Citation Ascend

How much does a Cessna Citation Ascend cost?

An indicative 2026 market price for a Cessna Citation Ascend is $17.88m (€16.56m) to $21.38m (€19.8m). This is a planning estimate normalised across the market, not a quote for a specific airframe. Condition, engine time remaining, avionics and damage history move the real number more than the model year does.

What does a Cessna Citation Ascend cost per hour to operate?

Flying 80 hours a year, a Cessna Citation Ascend works out at roughly $747k (€692k) annually, which is about $9,342 (€8,650) per flight hour all-in once fixed costs are spread across those hours. The direct cost per hour alone, covering fuel, reserves and consumables, is about $3,672 (€3,400).

How far can a Cessna Citation Ascend fly?

Published range is 1,940 nm (3,593 km). With 4 people aboard and realistic reserves, plan on a practical radius of about 1300 nm rather than the brochure figure.

What do you need to be qualified to fly a Cessna Citation Ascend?

Beyond a pilot certificate, a Cessna Citation Ascend requires type rating. This aircraft is turbojet-powered, so 14 CFR 61.31(a) requires a type rating for the specific type regardless of weight. Expect a formal initial course at a training provider and recurrent training every year, both of which insurers normally make a condition of cover. These are US requirements and are stated for orientation; confirm them against the current regulation and an instructor.

What runway does a Cessna Citation Ascend need?

Plan on approximately 3,799 ft (1,158 m) for take-off. Check this against the actual runway, surface, slope, temperature and loading, all of which extend the requirement.

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