This article summarizes reporting by the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA).

The High-Stakes Geometry of Hangar Stacking: Experts Weigh In

In the world of business aviation, the hangar floor is a chessboard where the pieces cost tens of millions of dollars and the margin for error is measured in inches. “Hangar stacking”, the logistical puzzle of fitting multiple aircraft into a confined space, is a critical skill that balances efficiency with extreme safety protocols. According to recent reporting by the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), successful stacking requires far more than just spatial awareness; it demands a philosophy of foresight.

The NBAA recently interviewed several industry veterans, described as “stacking wizards,” to uncover the methodologies that prevent “hangar rash”, the minor but costly dings and scrapes that occur during ground handling. As Commercial-Aircraft sizes increase and hangar space remains at a premium, these insights are becoming increasingly vital for line service technicians and facility managers alike.

The Core Philosophy: Stack for the Exit

The primary consensus among the experts interviewed by the NBAA is that efficient stacking begins with the end in mind. Gene Velazquez, president and founder of One Mile Up Inc., emphasized that the goal is never simply to fit the aircraft inside. Instead, crews must prioritize how those aircraft will eventually be removed.

Velazquez noted that the crew stacking the hangar in the evening is rarely the same crew pulling aircraft out in the morning. Consequently, a layout that lacks logic can create hazardous bottlenecks for the morning shift. This sentiment was echoed by Kristina Fudge, a line service technician at Modern Aviation, who advised creating a concrete plan before a tug ever moves.

“Every tow movement carries risk, so minimizing the number of moves is crucial.”

, Kristina Fudge (via NBAA)

The “Corner-In” Strategy

One specific technique highlighted in the report is the “corner-in” approach. Rather than pushing aircraft straight back against a wall, experts suggest placing the noses of larger jets into the back corners of the hangar first. This geometric arrangement creates pockets of usable space behind the large jets where smaller aircraft can be “tucked in,” utilizing dead space that would otherwise be wasted.

Navigating Swept-Wing Physics

Moving modern business jets requires a deep understanding of physics, particularly regarding swept-wing aircraft. Adam Castle, a line service technician at Skyservice, warned that wingtips on these jets behave counter-intuitively during turns.

According to the NBAA report, Castle described a “growing wing” phenomenon. On aircraft with long wheelbases, the inside wingtip can appear stationary while the rest of the plane pivots, but the outside wing sweeps outward rapidly. This acceleration can catch inexperienced tug drivers off guard.

To mitigate this, Castle recommends watching the tail rather than the nose during pushbacks. The tail provides an earlier visual cue regarding the speed and sharpness of the turn.

“The sharper the angle gets, the faster it will continue to turn.”

, Adam Castle (via NBAA)

Safety Protocols and Teamwork

Regardless of the geometry used, Safety relies on human communication. The experts stressed that wing walkers are “irreplaceable” assets who serve as the tug driver’s extended eyes. Michael Beasley, a former line service expert, noted that drivers must operate with “3D thinking,” moving slowly enough to allow walkers to process hazards and signal a stop.

Standard industry protocols reinforced in the report include:

• The Circle of Safety: A mandatory walk-around to check for chocks and disconnected cables before movement.
• Whistle Authority: If a wing walker blows their whistle, all movement stops immediately, no questions asked.
• Speed Limits: Towing should generally not exceed a walking pace (approximately 5 mph).

AirPro News Analysis: The Technology Factor

While the NBAA report focuses heavily on human skill and experience, AirPro News notes that the industry is increasingly turning to Technology to mitigate the risks of high-density stacking. As business jets grow larger, with models like the Gulfstream G700 and Global 7500 challenging the dimensions of older hangars, the “human Tetris” approach is being supplemented by digital tools.

Software solutions such as HangarStack allow facility managers to virtually arrange aircraft on a screen before risking physical assets. This “digital twin” approach helps identify potential conflicts that might not be visible from the tug driver’s seat. Furthermore, the adoption of remote-controlled, towbarless tugs (such as Mototok units) is changing the vantage point of the operator, allowing them to walk alongside the aircraft rather than sitting in a tractor, thereby reducing blind spots.

However, even with advanced software and electric tugs, the fundamental advice from the NBAA’s experts remains relevant: patience and communication are the ultimate safeguards against costly damage.

Sources

NBAA: Maintenance: Hangar Stacking Wizards Share Their Best Practices

This article is based on an official press release from Textron Aviation.

Cessna Citation Ascend Enters Service, Marking New Era for 560XL Series

Textron Aviation has officially commenced deliveries of the Cessna Citation Ascend, the latest evolution in its storied 560XL midsize business jet family. According to a company press release, the first retail customer took delivery of the aircraft on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, marking the jet’s formal entry into service (EIS). This milestone follows the aircraft receiving its type certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in November 2025.

The Citation Ascend is designed to modernize the highly successful Excel/XLS/XLS+ platform, which has long dominated the midsize charter and corporate market. Textron Aviation states that the new model aims to “redefine” the segment by introducing large-cabin amenities, most notably a completely flat floor, into a midsize airframe. The aircraft was first announced in 2023 and has now transitioned from development to active fleet operations.

By delivering the first unit before the end of the year, Textron Aviation fulfills its projected timeline for the Ascend. The aircraft enters a competitive market with a list price of approximately $16.725 million, positioning it as a cost-effective option that balances luxury with the short-field utility the Citation line is known for.

Cabin and Cockpit Upgrades

The primary focus of the Citation Ascend’s design is the passenger experience. In its official announcement, Textron Aviation highlighted the elimination of the dropped aisle found in previous 560XL models. The new flat floor design allows for easier movement throughout the cabin, a feature typically reserved for super-midsize or large-cabin jets like the Citation Latitude.

Passenger Amenities

Beyond the floor, the manufacturer notes that the cabin windows have been enlarged by 15% compared to previous models, significantly increasing natural light. The standard configuration seats nine passengers, though the aircraft can accommodate up to 12. Textron also emphasized the inclusion of an advanced acoustic treatment system, which they claim creates a cabin environment as quiet as a luxury automobile.

Avionics and Pilot Support

Up front, the Ascend features a major overhaul of the flight deck. The aircraft is equipped with the Garmin G5000 avionics suite, which utilizes three 14-inch ultra-high-resolution displays. According to the press release, the jet includes standard autothrottle technology, designed to reduce pilot workload and provide flight-envelope protection. This addition brings the Ascend’s avionics capabilities in line with the larger Latitude and Longitude models, facilitating easier pilot transitions across the Textron fleet.

Performance Specifications

The Citation Ascend is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW545D engines. These powerplants offer increased thrust and improved fuel efficiency over the PW545C engines used on the preceding Citation XLS Gen2. Textron Aviation reports the following performance metrics for the new aircraft:

• Range: 2,100 nautical miles (nm) at long-range cruise power.
• Maximum Speed: 441 knots true airspeed (ktas).
• Runway Performance: Retains the short-field capabilities of the 560XL family.

The manufacturer notes that this range allows for non-stop flights between city pairs such as London City to Athens or La Mole to Prague with four passengers on board.

AirPro News Analysis: Market Positioning

With the entry into service of the Citation Ascend, Textron Aviation is moving to defend its dominance in the “true midsize” category. Based on industry data and the specifications released, the Ascend occupies a specific niche that prioritizes operational flexibility over transcontinental range.

When compared to competitors like the Embraer Praetor 500 or the Bombardier Challenger 3500, the Ascend offers a distinct value proposition. While the Praetor 500 and Challenger 3500 offer greater range (exceeding 3,300 nm) and higher top speeds, they also come with significantly higher price tags, estimated at over $18 million and $27 million respectively. The Ascend, priced near $16.7 million, targets operators flying regional missions (2–4 hours) who require access to smaller, challenging airports that heavier super-midsize jets cannot utilize.

We observe that the “flat floor” upgrade is a strategic move to neutralize one of the few remaining advantages competitors held over the XLS series in terms of cabin comfort. By combining this luxury feature with the 560XL’s legendary runway performance, Textron effectively secures the upgrade path for the existing base of over 1,000 Excel/XLS owners.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did the Citation Ascend receive FAA certification?
The aircraft received type certification from the FAA on November 5, 2025.

What is the range of the Citation Ascend?
The aircraft has a maximum range of 2,100 nautical miles (nm).

How does the Ascend differ from the Citation XLS Gen2?
The most significant differences are the flat cabin floor, larger windows, the upgrade to Pratt & Whitney PW545D engines, and the installation of the Garmin G5000 avionics suite with autothrottles.

What is the list price of the Citation Ascend?
The 2025 delivery pricing is approximately $16.725 million.

Sources

• Textron Aviation

This article is based on an official press release from Dassault Aviation.

Dassault Aviation Reports Mixed 2025 Figures: Rafale Surges While Falcon Faces Supply Headwinds

Dassault Aviation has released its preliminary operational figures for the full year 2025, presenting a financial landscape defined by strong military performance and persistent challenges in the civil aviation sector. According to the official data released on January 7, 2026, the French aerospace manufacturers exceeded its delivery targets for the Rafale fighter jet but fell short of its guidance for Falcon business jets.

Despite the mixed operational results, the company reported year-over-year growth in deliveries for both its military and civil programs. Buoyed by the delivery of 26 Rafale fighters and a significant export contract with the Indian Navy, Dassault Aviation has updated its financial outlook. The company announced it has raised its 2025 net sales guidance to exceed €7 billion, an increase over the previous year’s €6.2 billion revenue.

Rafale Program: Export Success Drives Growth

The Rafale program continues to serve as the primary stabilizer for Dassault Aviation. The manufacturer reported delivering 26 Rafale aircraft in 2025, slightly exceeding its target of 25 units. This represents a 24% increase compared to the 21 units delivered in 2024.

Data provided by the company highlights a significant shift toward international markets. Of the 26 fighters delivered, 15 were for export customers, while 11 were delivered to France. This marks a sharp contrast to 2024, when export deliveries totaled only seven units.

Order Intake and Backlog

In terms of new business, the company secured orders for 26 Rafale aircraft in 2025. According to the release, these orders are attributed entirely to the contract for 26 Rafale Marine jets for the Indian Navy, which officially entered into force in May 2025. This deal marks a historic milestone as the first export customer for the carrier-borne variant of the fighter.

The backlog for the Rafale remains robust. As of December 31, 2025, the total backlog stood at 220 aircraft, unchanged from the previous year. The composition of this backlog, however, has shifted further toward international clients, with export units now accounting for approximately 80% of the total.

Falcon Business Jets: Progress Amidst Constraints

The civil aviation segment showed growth but highlighted ongoing industrial friction. Dassault Aviation delivered 37 Falcon business jets in 2025, an increase of six units compared to 2024. However, this figure fell short of the company’s published guidance of 40 aircraft.

The company attributed the missed target to supply chain difficulties, a challenge that has plagued the broader aerospace sector since the post-pandemic recovery began. Specifically, inefficiencies in the aerostructure supply chain were noted as contributing factors.

Commercial Momentum

Despite the delivery shortfall, commercial demand for the Falcon line appears resilient. The manufacturer booked 31 new Falcon orders in 2025, a 19% increase over the 26 orders recorded in 2024. Due to deliveries outpacing new orders, the Falcon backlog decreased slightly from 79 units in 2024 to 73 units at the close of 2025.

AirPro News Analysis

The 2025 figures underscore a diverging reality for Dassault Aviation: the defense sector is currently shielding the company from the volatility of the civil supply chain. The stability of the Rafale backlog, locked in at 220 units, provides the manufacturer with nearly a decade of production visibility. This is critical as it allows Dassault to maintain revenue flow while navigating the “stop-and-go” nature of current civil aerospace supply lines.

The missed Falcon target is not unique to Dassault; it reflects a broader industry struggle to ramp up production rates to meet recovering demand. However, the increase in Falcon order intake (31 vs. 26) suggests that the market appetite for business jets has not been dampened by economic uncertainty, providing a positive signal for the medium term once supply bottlenecks ease.

Upcoming Financial Disclosures

Following the release of these preliminary figures, Dassault Aviation confirmed that it will publish its full audited annual results on March 4, 2026. The raised sales guidance of over €7 billion suggests confidence in the company’s pricing power and the revenue recognition from the higher volume of Rafale deliveries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Dassault Aviation meet its 2025 delivery targets?
Results were mixed. The company exceeded its target for Rafale fighters (delivering 26 against a target of 25) but missed its target for Falcon business jets (delivering 37 against a target of 40).

What drove the new orders for the Rafale in 2025?
The 26 new Rafale orders recorded in 2025 are entirely attributed to the Indian Navy’s contract for the Rafale Marine variant.

How does the current backlog look?
As of December 31, 2025, the backlog stands at 220 Rafale aircraft and 73 Falcon business jets.

Sources

• Dassault Aviation Press Release: Deliveries, order intakes and backlog as of December 31, 2025