Top 4 aviation news stories in September
- Marketing Central Aerospace
- Sep 30
- 4 min read
Pratt & Whitney Canada will lead the European PHARES project to develop a hybrid-electric propulsion system for regional aircraft, while Textron Aviation strengthens its market position with three milestones: the addition of Starlink connectivity to the Citation Latitude, the launch of the ProParts+ support programme for the Citation 525 series, and the unveiling of the first production Cessna Citation Ascend, an evolution within the successful 560XL family.
1. Pratt & Whitney Canada to lead European hybrid-electric propulsion project
Pratt & Whitney Canada was chosen by the European Union's Clean Aviation initiative to lead the Powerplant Hybrid Application Regional Segment (PHARES) project. This is the first time a Canadian company has led a programme within this initiative focused on developing cleaner technologies for aviation.
As part of PHARES, the company will work closely with Collins Aerospace, ATR, Airbus and several technology research centres. The main objective will be to develop a hybrid-electric propulsion demonstrator capable of improving fuel efficiency in regional aircraft by up to 20%.
The system will combine an advanced turboprop engine, based on the PW127XT model, with a 250 kW electric system developed by Collins, all connected via an optimised gearbox. In addition, a state-of-the-art propeller system will be implemented that will not only reduce fuel consumption but also noise levels.
According to Maria Della Posta , President of Pratt & Whitney Canada, this project is a transformative opportunity:
‘Hybrid-electric propulsion and aircraft electrification are key pieces in our technology roadmap to improve the efficiency and performance of future platforms.’
Phares is part of the European strategy to achieve ultra-efficient regional aircraft and represents another step forward in the industry's commitment to decarbonisation and sustainability in aviation.
2. Textron Aviation incorporates Starlink connectivity into the Cessna Citation Latitude
Textron Aviation announced a new upgrade for the Cessna Citation Latitude: the availability of high-speed internet connectivity via Starlink following certification by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through the Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) issued by AeroMech.
The solution utilises Starlink's low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation, enabling a more stable and reliable connection even when flying over oceans, remote areas, or locations where traditional onboard Wi-Fi is often limited.
‘With Starlink connectivity now available as an upgrade, Citation Latitude customers can enjoy a seamless, high-speed flight experience that keeps them connected in more destinations,’ said Brian Rohloff , senior vice president of customer support at Textron Aviation. ‘This enhancement reflects our commitment to innovation and solidifies the Latitude's reputation as the world's most delivered midsize business jet.’
The upgrade will be available at Textron Aviation Service Centres in North America and International Service Centres. The installation kit includes an aeronautical antenna, power supply, wireless access points and cabling, requiring only aircraft power for operation.
3.Textron Aviation launches ProParts+ to strengthen support for Citation 525 series operators
Textron Aviation announced the launch of ProParts+, a new support programme designed exclusively for operators of the Cessna Citation 525 series.
The initiative expands the benefits of Proparts, one of the leading programmes in the ProAdvantage family, and seeks to offer customers greater peace of mind by including coverage for high-cost components and consumables that are key to the operation of these aircraft.
‘With ProParts+, we are reaffirming our commitment to investing in long-term support for the Citation 525 series,’ explained Brad White, senior vice president of Global Parts Distribution at Textron Aviation. ‘This programme responds to what our customers have asked us for: more coverage, more value and greater operational predictability.’
Among the notable benefits of Proparts+ are:
- Landing gear coverage, with extended protection from the spool down, including parts not typically covered by ProParts, such as axles, shock absorbers, wheels, actuators and hydraulic lines.
- Consumables, including certain compounds, corrosion inhibitors (CICs) and fuel test kits.
- Standard freight included for covered parts.
- Contract purchase option, which makes it easier for customers to terminate early in the event of aircraft sale.
Proparts has established itself as a fixed-cost programme that simplifies airframe and avionics maintenance planning with monthly payments based on flight hours, ensuring access to original OEM parts. With ProParts+, the company is taking another step forward in offering Citation 525 operators greater cost control and confidence in the operation of their aircraft.
4. The new Citation Ascend officially enters the delivery line
Textron Aviation announced the rollout of the first production Cessna Citation Ascend, the latest addition to the successful 560XL family, of which more than 1,000 units have been delivered over the past 25 years.
The Citation Ascend, first unveiled at EBACE 2023, made its maiden flight in June 2024 and is set to replace the XLS Gen2 model in the manufacturer's lineup. The company expects to receive FAA certification before the end of this year.
The achievement was celebrated at the Wichita, Kansas, plant, where employees and executives highlighted the role of innovation and human talent in the development of the programme. ‘It is their skill that continues to make milestones like this possible,’ said Todd McKee , senior vice president of integrated supply chain at Textron Aviation.
The new midsize jet, with standard seating for up to nine passengers, features a flat floor for added comfort, as well as advanced Garmin G5000 avionics with automatic throttles. It also includes details inspired by the Latitude and Longitude models.
Innovations include a full-size boarding ladder, an external lavatory with service, a single refuelling point and an upgraded Honeywell RE100 (XL) auxiliary power unit capable of operating without supervision. It will also be equipped with 19 USB ports and three universal power outlets for added convenience on board.
With the Ascend Textron Aviation, it reinforces its commitment to modernising the flight experience in the medium executive jet segment, maintaining the tradition of the Citation series as one of the most recognised in business aviation.Cessna Citation by Textron Aviation
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