Textron Aviation has achieved US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) steep approach certification for both the Cessna Citation Sovereign+ and the Cessna Citation Latitude, adding even more operational capability to these popular midsize business jets. 

With steep approach certification allowing these aircraft to track approach angles of up to 6.65 degrees, the Sovereign+ and Latitude can now easily operate into prevalent European destinations such as London City Airport (LCY) and Lugano Airport (LUG) in Switzerland. Unlike other business aircraft in the market, steep approach capability for both Cessna Citation models will come standard.

“This steep approach certification for the Sovereign+ and Latitude further enhances the advanced capability of these industry-leading aircraft, particularly for customers flying in Europe where terrain or environmental regulations often require this increased capability,” said Rob Scholl, senior vice president, Sales and Marketing. “This certification illustrates our commitment to ensure our customers have the performance and flexibility they need to maximize their total ownership experience.”

Due to its downtown location next to London’s financial district, London City Airport is one of the more prominent business destinations in Europe, but requires aircraft use a steeper 5.5-degree approach due to environmental regulations, compared to a more typical airport approach of 3.0 degrees. With this certification, Citation Latitude and Sovereign+ customers can enjoy direct access out of LCY to as far away as Jeddah, Saudi Arabia or St. John’s, Canada.


CITATION LATITUDE

With a maximum range of 2,850 nautical miles (5,278 km) and a best-in-class four-passenger range of 2,700 nautical miles (5,000 km) at high-speed cruise, the Citation Latitude affords the most open, spacious, bright and refined cabin environment in the midsize category. With a flat floor and six feet of cabin height, innovation abounds with unique features designed throughout the aircraft. Textron Aviation’s wireless cabin-technology system provides productive connectivity and entertainment to each passenger through their personal electronic devices. Improving cabin comfort for passengers and crew alike, the Latitude features a new cabin cooling system and a new pressurization system, which provides a 5,950-foot cabin altitude at the aircraft’s maximum operating altitude of 45,000 feet. With standard seating configurations, the Latitude can comfortably accommodate up to nine passengers.


CITATION SOVEREIGN+

Featuring range-enhancing winglets and the Pratt & Whitney Canada PW306D engines providing more than 5,900 pounds of thrust, the Citation Sovereign+ offers a maximum range of 3,200 nautical miles (5,926 km), speeds up to 460 knots and a direct climb to 45,000 feet. With Textron Aviation’s wireless cabin-technology system and redesigned interior options, the Sovereign+ boasts the longest and most comfortable cabin in its class with max seating for up to 12 passengers.

 Part of Textron Inc of the US, Textron Aviation is home to the Beechcraft, Cessna and Hawker brands, which account for more than half of all general aviation aircraft flying.