Textron Aviation  celebrates on March 31th, the 1,000th delivery of its best-selling 560XL series midsize business jet with a delivery of the Cessna Citation XLS+ to a customer based in the Northeastern United States. The aircraft will be managed and operated by Custom Jet Charters, an FAA-certified Part 135 operator based at Palm Beach International and Westchester County Airports, known for providing air charter services.  

Offering transcontinental range, enhanced cabin and cockpit technology and superior performance, the jets in the 560XL family have transformed business aviation, evolving with the industry and operators throughout the past 25 years. Today, the global fleet of 560XL aircraft has amassed more than five million flight hours. 

 “The 560XL series is known for propelling the landscape of business aviation forward, delivering speed, spaciousness and comfort to a new segment of the industry. Its evolution and prominence continue to resonate with customers across the globe: Every two minutes, a 560XL jet takes off or lands somewhere in the world,” said Lannie O’Bannion, senior vice president, Global Sales and Flight Operations. “This milestone delivery is a direct reflection of our customers’ trust and the dedication of our employees who continue to build and support the Citation 560XL family of aircraft.” 

The most recent evolution of the Citation 560XL family of jets, the Citation XLS+ features wide passenger seats, FADEC engine controls and Collins Pro Line 21 avionics with four LCD cockpit displays and the addition of graphical weather charts and maps.

This year, Cessna-AVIC Aircraft (Zhuhai) Co., Ltd., a Textron joint venture in China, is expected to deliver the 300th Cessna Citation XLS+ to the Flight Inspection Center of CAAAC (CFIC). This will be the sixth aircraft delivered as part of the eight Cessna Citation XLS+ purchase agreement signed in December 2018.