WICHITA, Kan., March 12, 2009 – Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today it has gained several international certifications for various Citation models, opening new markets for the world’s most popular line of business jets.
The Citation Mustang gained certification this month in China and the Isle of Mann (UK). The Citation XLS+ gained European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification, and the Citation X gained certification in Nigeria. No details were released regarding near-term deliveries to these countries.
“The entry into service for the Citation Mustang has been nothing short of phenomenal, and interest from the market continues to grow,” said Roger Whyte, senior vice president, Sales and Marketing for Cessna. “We are excited about offering the Mustang in China.”
The Citation Mustang is now certified in 57 countries including the United States.
The XLS+, the latest version of the popular Excel/XLS line, has received full type certification from EASA.
“The Excel/XLS/XLS+ product line continues to be very popular with nearly 150 registered in Europe,” said Whyte. “The XLS+ can fly non-stop anywhere in western Europe making it very attractive for business and charter operations.”
Earlier this month, the Citation X received type certification in Nigeria. The Citation X is the world’s fastest civilian aircraft with a top cruising speed of 525 knots / 972 km/hr (Mach 0.92). There are more than 300 Citation Xs in service worldwide.
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Based on unit sales, Cessna Aircraft Company is the world’s largest manufacturer of general aviation airplanes. In 2008, Cessna delivered 1,301 aircraft, including 467 Citation business jets, and reported revenues of about $5.662 billion. Cessna has a backlog of $14.5 billion as of December 31, 2008. Since the company was originally established in 1927, some 192,000 Cessna airplanes have been delivered around the world, including more than 5,700 Citations, making it the largest fleet of business jets in the world. More information about Cessna Aircraft Company is available at http://www.cessna.com.
Textron Inc. is a $14.2 billion multi-industry company operating in 28 countries with approximately 42,000 employees. The company leverages its global network of aircraft, defense and intelligence, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft Company, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, Textron Systems and Textron Financial Corporation. More information is available at www.textron.com.
