Textron Launches Citation Ascend as Latest Edition of the 560XL Series

By Carmelo Turdo

Textron Aviation recently introduced the newest member of their Citation 560XL series, the Citation Ascend, into service. The Ascend received FAA certification on November 5 after the completion of a three-year, over 1,000 flight hour certification program. The first customer delivery was accomplished on December 30. This jet is more than a tweak or a rebrand. It offers an enhanced flight experience for passengers and crew alike, with customer-driven amenities found on the longer-range Latitude and Longitude. Luxury and efficiency can indeed be engineered into a midsize business jet. (Textron Graphic)

The Citation Ascend takes the 560XL family to new heights with updates within the XL airframe. The latest Pratt & Whitney PW545D engines power the aircraft via a dual-channel FADEC system and autothrottle. Three fourteen-inch, high-resolution Garmin G5000 displays give the two-person crew the flight data they need the way they want it presented. For crew convenience and passenger pre-board comfort, the APU can be operated unattended to provide electric power and air conditioning. The cabin layout provides for a flat floor, sideways adjusting seats, charging stations, wireless adjustable lighting and electronic window shades, a concert hall quality music system and wi-fi service from GoGo. The ideal capacity is four passengers, but the jet can accommodate up to 12 passengers. A large aft cargo hold can accommodate golf clubs and suit bags loaded vertically. 

The Aero Experience coverage of the Citation XL series begins with a look at an aircraft managed by Gateway Jets at St. Louis Downtown Airport. We recently visited with Corey Tomczak, owner and President of Gateway Jets, to get a preview of the new hangar and learn about the Citation XL in his management portfolio. In the photos and video below, Tomczak elaborates on opening the new hangar and shows us the Citation XL, the largest jet currently managed by Gateway Jets. Courtesy services such as food stocks and professional detailing, as shown in the video, are included. Aircraft inspections and preventive maintenance are provided by industry leaders such as West Star Aviation. Other services offered by Gateway Jets include aircraft brokerage, flight crews and aircraft hangar rental.

In September, Textron brought their mockup exhibit to Aero Charter at Spirit of St. Louis Airport. The Aero Experience toured the display and interviewed John Reimer, Senior Technical Marketing Advisor and Citation series pilot, for this feature story and the video included below. He gave an excellent overview of the Ascend and demonstrated the enhancements to the passenger cabin.

"The Citation Ascend fits right between the CJ4 and the Citation Latitude," Reimer told The Aero Experience. "So, as we leave the Citation Four and grow into the Ascend, we gain a lot of the large jet amenities and features to include auxiliary power unit, a true airstair door, thrust reversers, large baggage compartment, single-point fueling - all those things you'd expect in a large jet."

Learn more about the Citation Ascend from our new video:

The Aero Experience thanks Textron Aviation for exhibiting their Citation Ascend mockup in St. Louis and the Greater St. Louis Business Aviation Association for sponsoring the event. 

News Release: Johnson County Airport Commission Powers Aviation and Economic Growth in 2025

[New Century, KS - Jan. 28, 2026] 2025 was a transformative year for the Johnson County Airport Commission (JCAC), marked by bold investments, strategic partnerships and historic milestones across all its facilities, including New Century AirCenter, Johnson County Executive Airport and the surrounding business parks. From major infrastructure upgrades to record-setting federal grants, JCAC advanced its mission to drive economic growth, enhance aviation capabilities and strengthen regional connectivity throughout the Kansas City metro area.

One of the year’s most significant developments was the advancement of Dream Air New Century, LLC’s plans for a new aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility at New Century AirCenter. Pending final development approval by Johnson County commissioners, the project will include a terminal building and two large hangar structures on an 8.23-acre parcel east of 1 New Century Parkway. This $20 million investment will add substantial aviation support infrastructure, including multiple hangars and associated facilities, enhancing the AirCenter’s capabilities and positioning it as a critical hub for commercial aviation services.

“This project represents a bold step toward strengthening New Century AirCenter’s position as a leading aviation hub,” said Bryan Johnson, executive director of Johnson County Airport Commission. “It’s about building capacity for the future and creating opportunities that benefit the entire region.”

JCAC also finalized a five-acre lease for a new 20,000-square-foot corporate jet hangar, a strategic investment that addresses growing demand for corporate and business aviation facilities across the Kansas City metro. This development enhances New Century Airport’s ability to attract and retain corporate flight operations, aviation-related investment and high-value jobs. By expanding operational capacity and elevating service offerings for corporate users, the Airport Commission is laying the groundwork for long-term economic benefits through lease revenue, fuel sales and broader regional growth.

At Johnson County Executive Airport, reconstruction of t-hangar rows Mike and November – located on the south end near the air traffic control tower – also began, marking the complete renewal of all t-hangars at the airport.

In addition to these milestones, JCAC announced in September that New Century AirCenter received its largest Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grant to date, underscoring the airport’s strategic importance to regional aviation. The substantial $21 million investment will fund essential improvements to enhance safety, boost operational efficiency and support future growth. Among these priorities is Runway 18-36 – the second longest in the Kansas City metro area and a critical piece of aviation infrastructure serving corporate, military and general aviation operations across the region – which now requires full reconstruction after its last rehabilitation in 2005. The project to reconstruct the runway and upgrade its lighting, along with new airfield signage and markings, is expected to begin in 2027 and will be planned to minimize operational disruptions.

Complementing these efforts, JCAC obtained $15 million in federal funding for a new air traffic control tower to replace the existing structure at New Century AirCenter that has served for more than eight decades. Design work is underway on the modernized tower, which will improve air traffic management, strengthen safety and accommodate anticipated growth in business and general aviation, with full operation expected by early 2028.

“These investments ensure that Johnson County will continue delivering safe, reliable aviation facilities to serve our community, local businesses and military partners,” said Johnson. “The momentum in aviation across the region is unprecedented, marking a new era of opportunity and growth for our airports.”

Beyond aviation, New Century AirCenter experienced significant industrial and logistics expansion. In the third quarter of 2025, CJ Logistics America opened a state-of-the-art, rail-served cold storage warehouse developed in partnership with Yukon Real Estate Partners and BGO. The 291,000-square-foot facility – connected to Upfield’s production plant via an above-ground conveyor bridge – strengthens the region’s food logistics capabilities and supports global brands such as Country Crock®, I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter® and Imperial®. Meanwhile, VanTrust Real Estate’s newly completed, 356,000-square-foot Class A industrial facility within the adjacent New Century Commerce Center became available for tenant leasing. Designed to meet modern operational needs, the flexible industrial space accommodates warehouse, distribution and logistics users, addressing strong regional demand for high-quality industrial assets.

JCAC’s 2025 infrastructure improvements extended to rail operations as well. The New Century AirCenter Railroad advanced a $2 million short-line rail improvement project, supported by a $1.4 million Kansas Department of Transportation grant through the Rail Service Improvement Program. The project includes track rehabilitation, tie and ballast replacement and crossing enhancements to boost safety, efficiency and freight capacity. These improvements will strengthen the AirCenter’s link to the national rail network, support regional businesses and reduce truck traffic to drive economic growth and multimodal connectivity for Johnson County and the state of Kansas.

Another strategic milestone was the sale of the 450,000-square-foot New Century Office Building in October, transitioning the property to private ownership to spur redevelopment and enhance the AirCenter’s commercial presence. This move reduces the County’s ongoing maintenance and capital obligations while generating immediate value through the transaction proceeds and future tax base growth. Private redevelopment is expected to modernize facilities, attract tenants and support aviation-related and complementary business activity, reinforcing the AirCenter’s role as a regional economic engine. The final closing is anticipated in the coming months, pending completion of the 120-day due diligence process.

As JCAC embarks on the new year, its airports continue to serve as a powerful driver of economic growth, contributing more than $1.1 billion annually to the local and regional economy and supporting nearly 5,000 jobs. Looking ahead, the Airport Commission remains focused on driving progress and fostering a vibrant, connected aviation community for years to come.

To learn more, visit jocogov.org/department/airport-commission.

About Johnson County Airport Commission

The Johnson County Airport Commission operates two air transportation facilities serving the aviation needs of the region and a multi-tenant, multi-modal commerce center, which includes a short line railroad and water distribution system. All of these strategic assets contribute to Johnson County’s economic vitality and high quality of life.

Media Contact:
Merisa Ashbaugh, 309-335-5453

News Release: St. Louis Downtown Airport Strengthens Role as Regional Economic Engine in 2025

[ST. LOUIS/January 27, 2026]  St. Louis Downtown Airport (KCPS), a premier general aviation airport located just minutes from the Gateway Arch in St. Clair County, Illinois, grew in its role as a regional economic engine in 2025. Throughout the year, KCPS experienced significant tenant investments and improvements in airport infrastructure, while continuing to be an active regional player in workforce development and industry attraction.

In 2025, the airport welcomed investments by tenants that augmented its own, strengthening St. Louis Downtown Airport’s ability to meet growing demand and ensure it remains a leading destination for business aviation. Among the most recent tenant investments is a new corporate hangar facility recently opened on the airport’s west side by aircraft management company Gateway Jets. The state-of-the-art hangar features 100-foot bi-fold doors and can accommodate up to five Citation aircraft.

This project follows Gulfstream Aerospace’s $30 million expansion of its completions and outfitting operations at the airport, completion of which was celebrated in May 2025. The investment added new equipment and machinery, supporting a growing workforce that now exceeds 700 employees. Gulfstream’s operations in the region encompass maintenance, repair, overhaul and completions, with the facility supporting the completion of brand-new business jets from the heart of the Midwest.

 

“Here at St. Louis Downtown Airport, our tenants are thriving, and many are expanding their operations,” said Airport Director Sandra Shore. “These investments reflect the confidence businesses have in KCPS as a critical gateway for the region and a strategic location for growth.”

 

Complementing tenant investments, KCPS is advancing several major capital improvement projects. The airport recently completed $1.1 million in improvements to a key access road, enhancing connectivity for the airport and more than 700 employees who work onsite. Work is also progressing on the Taxiway Bravo reconstruction project. Phase one, which includes drainage and site improvements, is wrapping up at a cost of $2.5 million. Phase two, a $14 million reconstruction of 3,500 feet of taxiway, begins this spring. The third and final phase – reconstruction of the remaining 3,500 feet of taxiway – is scheduled for 2027. The total investment is estimated at $25 to $30 million, with completion expected by the end of 2027. Importantly, the airport will remain fully operational throughout construction.

 

Shore said the airport also has secured $3.6 million in state funding for a new general aviation terminal, with construction slated to begin mid-2026. The project involves tearing down the existing 55-year-old terminal and rebuilding a modernized facility that better meets the needs of today’s business aviation customers. The airport will remain open during construction, which will take approximately one year.

 

“All of these improvements ensure we can continue to serve our customers well into the future,” Shore noted. “We’re building the infrastructure that supports growth and strengthens our position as a leader in business aviation.”

 

Workforce development also remained a priority for St. Louis Downtown Airport in 2025 as the region’s aerospace and aviation industry continues to grow. The airport collaborated with St. Louis University (SLU) and Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) on summer camps, academies and events, including Girls in Aviation Day, inspiring youth to explore careers in this vibrant ecosystem.  In October, KCPS partnered with SLU’s Flying Billikens to host the National Intercollegiate Flying Association’s (NIFA) 2025 Region VI and VIII SAFECON event, welcoming ten collegiate teams from across the Midwest. Competitors showcased their skills in navigation, short-field landing, power-off landing and other aviation exercises. Winners from the event hosted locally are set to advance to the national competition in May 2026.

 

Located in the communities of Cahokia Heights and the Village of Sauget in Southwestern Illinois, St. Louis Downtown Airport serves as the region’s front door for business aviation, supporting more than 25 tenants. Collectively, the airport and its tenants generate more than $422 million in annual economic impact and sustain well over 1,500 jobs.

“With its strategic location and robust infrastructure, St. Louis Downtown Airport continues to attract investment and jobs, reinforcing its role as a vital contributor to the regional economy,” said Mary Lamie, executive vice president of Multimodal Enterprises for Bi-State Development, which owns and operates the airport as one its enterprises. “KCPS is more than an airport—it’s an economic powerhouse and a catalyst for growth.”

 

To learn more about St. Louis Downtown Airport, visit www.stlouisdowntownairport.com.

Jerry Vallely
Public Affairs Manager
314-982-1458 (O) | 314-486-5553 (C) 

Piston Aviation Opens Third Location at St. Charles County Regional Airport - Smartt Field

By Carmelo Turdo

Piston Aviation held a Grand Opening event at their third location, St. Charles County Regional Airport - Smartt Field, on Saturday, January 17. The new, fully renovated, flight training center is located in the previous Skylink Aviation hangar on the west apron. Piston Aviation has updated the facility to provide multiple training rooms, flight planning technology and offices for their chief pilot and visiting DPEs to better serve students during their training and check flights. Self-serve aviation fuel (AvGas) is available at this location. CFIs and fleet aircraft will be available there and at Piston Aviation's Creve Coeur Airport and St. Louis Regional Airport locations as needed to meet customer demand. 

The Aero Experience coverage begins with a tour of the facility as shown in this short video captured previously and these photos from opening day. Piston Aviation staff greeted guests, served lunch and provided activities for the younger future pilots. Aircraft were positioned for discovery flights, some of which were delayed or rescheduled as a snow squall transited the area. 

  

Saturday's Grand Opening event was held in typical Piston Aviation style, with food, fun, family and flying. Discovery flights were conducted in the pattern as weather conditions allowed in the Piper Cherokee and Cessna 172 fleet aircraft. 

Piston Aviation provides flight training programs tailored to the needs of their customers, including the Accelerated Private Pilot course and flexible scheduling. Financing is also available. Students in the Purdue Global Professional Flight and Aviation Management Degree Programs may obtain their flight training through Piston Aviation in St. Louis. On-line scheduling and regular CFI communication make the training process flow smoothly.    

We will continue our coverage of Piston Aviation's operations at St. Charles County Regional Airport - Smartt Field in future posts. We thank everyone who attended Saturday's Grand Opening event, and we hope to see you again soon at all three Piston Aviation locations!