NetJets Aviation (EJA, Columbus John Glenn, OH) welcomed the first Cessna Citation Longitude to its fleet on December 31. The super-midsize business jet is expected to enter service in the coming weeks, according to a press release issued by the operator. Longitudes form part of an order that the Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary placed with Cessna Aircraft Company (Wichita Cessna Aircraft Field) in October 2018 for up to 175 of the type including options.
NetJets has a long relationship with Cessna, as since 1984, the fractional jet ownership company has operated a fleet of nearly 500 Citations, including the Cessna 560, Cessna 680, and Cessna 680A.
Commenting on the aircraft's arrival, Adam Johnson, NetJets' chairman and chief executive, said: “No matter the reason for being on board, from takeoff to landing, the innovations of the Citation Longitude make it the most enjoyable flight imaginable.”
“We are pleased to have the new Citation Longitude enter the NetJets fleet and continue to strengthen a relationship that goes back decades. The Longitude, with class-leading performance, efficiency and an unrivaled cabin experience, is already redefining its category and will join the Citation Latitude as fleet favourites for NetJets' owners,” said Ron Draper, president and CEO of Textron Aviation.
NetJets is the largest private jet operator in the world and, along with its subsidiary NetJets Transportes Aéreos (NJE, Lisbon), flies around 700 aircraft, which in addition to the Cessnas, includes the E505, Challenger 350, Falcon 2000, Falcon 2000EX, Challenger 650, Gulfstream IV, and Global Express.
