Top 5 aviation news stories in October
- Marketing Central Aerospace
- 6h
- 7 min read
Pratt & Whitney and Textron Aviation set new milestones in business and commercial aviation with innovations that enhance efficiency, sustainability and air safety. Textron unveiled the new Cessna Citation Ascend and CJ3 Gen2, equipped with advanced PW545D engines and Garmin technology, which enhance comfort, performance and reliability in flight. At the same time, Pratt & Whitney celebrated 600,000 flight hours for the PW800 engine, European validation of the GTF Advantage—which will debut in 2026 with greater power and efficiency—and expanded its leadership in sustainable propulsion. In Colombia, the Civil Aviation Authority reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to operational safety, ensuring robust technological systems and strict compliance with international standards.
1- The new Cessna Citation Ascend takes off with power: two PW545D engines power Textron Aviation's latest gem
During the annual meeting of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) in Las Vegas, Pratt & Whitney Canada and Textron Aviation officially unveiled the Cessna Citation Ascend, the latest addition to the renowned Citation family of business aircraft.
The new model stands out for being equipped with two PW545D engines, developed by Pratt & Whitney Canada, a company that is part of the RTX group. This collaboration reinforces a relationship that has spanned more than six decades between the two companies, marking important milestones in the business aviation sector.
‘The Citation Ascend is the result of a long-standing and successful partnership with Textron Aviation,’ said Scott McElvaine, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Pratt & Whitney Canada. ‘Cessna and Beechcraft aircraft have proven to be reliable and efficient platforms powered by Pratt & Whitney engines, and we are confident that the Ascend will continue that legacy of performance and reliability.’
The PW545D engine features FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control) technology, which incorporates an automatic throttle system to simplify operation, improve efficiency and reduce pilot workload. In addition, innovations in the compressor and turbine optimise fuel consumption and lower operating temperatures, delivering improved performance and sustainability.
To date, Pratt & Whitney Canada has manufactured more than 5,300 PW500 engines, with nearly 4,900 still in active service. This engine family has accumulated more than 27 million flight hours and is present in seven aircraft models operating in 71 countries.
With the Cessna Citation Ascend, Textron Aviation and Pratt & Whitney Canada reaffirm their commitment to innovation and excellence in the aeronautical sector, offering a modern, efficient and reliable option for global executive aviation.
2- The new Cessna Citation CJ3n Gen 2 takes off with FAA certification and redefines comfort in the skies
Textron Aviationannounced that its latest model, the Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen2, has received type certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), marking a new milestone in the evolution of the Citation family. This achievement represents the most comprehensive investment in a Gen2 model to date, cementing the company's leadership in innovation and aviation safety.
After 445 hours of flight testing, the aircraft is ready to enter service before the end of the year. The CJ3 GEN2 introduces enhancements inspired by customer feedback, including Garmin automatic throttle technology, an additional 11.4 cm of pilot legroom, and a fully customisable cabin that combines elegance, comfort and efficiency.
‘The FAA certification of the CJ3 GEN2 is an example of Textron Aviation's leadership in aircraft certification,’ said Chris Hearne, senior vice president of Engineering and Programmes. ‘This aircraft offers proven performance, cutting-edge technology and an unmatched cabin experience that facilitates customer missions, whether for relaxation, innovation or productivity.’
The Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen2 incorporates the Garmin G3000 avionics system, renowned for its reliability and precision. Its main features include:
Garmin automatic throttles, which reduce pilot workload and optimise flight safety.
Enhanced vision system, providing greater clarity and situational awareness.
Intuitive touchscreen interface and advanced GDL60 connectivity, with automatic updates and wireless transmission of diagnostic data.
The interior of the CJ3 Gen 2 offers a tailor-made flight experience. Passengers can fully customise the cabin, choose from different RGB lighting configurations and enjoy ergonomic seats with swivel function and wireless charging. In addition, each seat has USB-C ports, ensuring connectivity and comfort throughout the journey.
New design details include CoolView skylights in the bathroom, which bring natural light and elegance to the space, along with an externally serviced washbasin and enhanced vanity options.
With a maximum range of 2,040 nautical miles and a payload of 2,500 kg, the Citation CJ3 Gen2 is designed to accommodate a variety of missions, from corporate flights to regional transfers. Its standard configuration includes seating for nine passengers, with the option of an eight-seat version with increased storage capacity.
With this new certification, Textron Aviation reaffirms its commitment to excellence in design, safety and customer experience, bringing business aviation into a new era of sophistication and performance.
3- Pratt & Whitney Canada's PW800 engine reaches 600,000 flight hours, marking a new milestone in business aviation
Pratt & Whitney Canada celebrates a new milestone with its PW800 engine family, which has surpassed 600,000 flight hours powering aircraft from two of the world's most prestigious manufacturers: Gulfstream and Dassault Aviation. This engine powers models such as the Gulfstream G500 (in service since 2018), the G600 (since 2019) and the Dassault Falcon 6X, which will be introduced in 2023.
With more than 700 engines in service and 250 operators worldwide, the PW800 has established itself as a benchmark for efficiency, reliability and sustainability in the business jet sector. ‘Exceeding 600,000 flight hours in just a few years demonstrates the confidence our customers have in this engine and underscores how the PW800 continues to raise the bar for innovation, reliability and value for operators around the world,’ said Andrew Waterston, Vice President of Commercial Aviation Marketing Sales at Pratt & Whitney Canada.
The PW800 represents the most advanced generation of engines in its class, offering significant improvements in fuel consumption and noise reduction. In addition, it is compatible with blends of up to 50% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), contributing to the industry's global decarbonisation goals. Its 99.98% dispatch reliability and 40% less maintenance than other similar engines ensure a smooth and cost-effective flying experience.
The PW800 Eagle Service Plan, an hourly-paid maintenance programme, has further enhanced operator satisfaction by offering predictive and preventive maintenance based on advanced analytics.
In line with its commitment to expanding support capabilities, in 2025 Pratt & Whitney Canada expanded its MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) network with the opening of MTU Maintenance's new PW800 workshop in Berlin-Brandenburg, a high-speed line in Burlington, Vermont, and the consolidation of its operations in Bridgeport, West Virginia.
With these advances, the PW800 engine continues to redefine the standards of performance, efficiency and reliability in modern business aviation.
4- Pratt & Whitney's GTF Advantage engine receives EASA validation and prepares to revolutionise the skies in 2026
Pratt & Whitney, an RTX company, announced that the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has validated the type certification for its GTF Advantage engine, a decisive step that paves the way for its entry into service in 2026. This recognition adds to the certification granted earlier this year by the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), thus consolidating international confidence in the company's new generation of engines.
‘The EASA endorsement marks another crucial milestone for the GTF Advantage programme and reaffirms our commitment to delivering value to our customers,’ said Rick Deurloo, president of commercial engines at Pratt & Whitney. ‘With increased payload and range, as well as durability that allows for up to twice the flight time, this engine represents a real game changer for operators.’
The GTF Advantage promises 4% more take-off thrust at sea-level airports and up to 8% more at high-altitude airports, along with improved fuel efficiency. In addition, it is fully compatible with the current GTF engine model, which will facilitate a smooth transition for airlines already operating with this technology.
The engine incorporates the most advanced hot section on the market for single-aisle aircraft. As part of this innovation, Pratt & Whitney also introduced Hot Section Plus (HS+), an upgrade available for existing GTF engines that leverages GTF Advantage technology, delivering 90% to 95% of the durability improvements that characterise the new model.
With this validation, Pratt & Whitney reinforces its leadership in the evolution of efficient, reliable and sustainable aircraft propulsion, marking the beginning of a new era for commercial aviation.
5- Civil Aviation reaffirms its unwavering commitment to aviation safety in Colombia
The Colombian Civil Aviation Authority reiterated that aviation safety is a non-negotiable principle that guides all decisions, processes and operations in the country's aviation sector.
The CNS (Communications, Navigation and Surveillance) system has a redundant architecture, designed to ensure the continuity and safety of aviation operations. In the event of any contingency, backup systems immediately come into operation, preventing interruptions and ensuring reliable service throughout the national territory.
In addition, aeronautical and air navigation telecommunications operate under a 1+1 scheme, which reinforces the permanent availability of frequencies, radars and support equipment. This technological robustness allows for the provision of continuous, high-quality service in line with international operational safety standards.
The entity clarified that it is inaccurate to claim that aviation safety in Colombia is compromised, and emphasised that operational safety practices have not been compromised at any time. The Civil Aviation Authority fully complies with Annex 10 of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) on aeronautical telecommunications and upholds three fundamental pillars: constant staff training, strict compliance with international regulations and the use of cutting-edge technology.
These factors, according to the entity, guarantee safe, efficient and uninterrupted operation throughout the country.
To strengthen the stability and reliability of the aeronautical infrastructure, Aerocivil continuously monitors all systems. As with any complex technological system, specific events may occur, which are immediately addressed by specialised technical personnel. In some cases, spare parts or external arrangements are required, which take time, but every action is aimed at preserving operational safety and passenger confidence.
The institution emphasised that aviation safety is not measured by statements without technical basis, but by verifiable results and the rigour of the processes that support daily operations.
‘Our commitment to operational safety, efficiency and transparency is absolute. Opinions without technical rigour only misinform and generate unnecessary uncertainty among users and the sector,’ said the entity.
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