Cessna Gains International Certifications for Citations
Cessna 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 entry-level twinjet has gained certification in China and the 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 in 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 six-seat Mustang, like most of the Citation range, is certified for single-pilot operation and is now certified in 57 countries including the United States
The XLS+, the latest version of the popular Excel/XLS line and the fastest subsonic civil aircraft ever built, nudging the sound barrier at its top cruising speed of 525 knots – 972 km/hr (Mach 0.92) and has received full type certification from EASA. There are now over 300 Citation Xs in service worldwide.
“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.”
Based on unit sales, Cessna Aircraft Company is the world’s largest manufacturer of general aviation airplanes. In 2008, the Wichita-based manufacturer delivered 1,301 aircraft, including 467 Citation business jets, and reported revenues of about US$5.662 billion. Cessna has an order backlog of $14.5 billion as of December 31, 2008. Since the company was originally established in 1927, some 192,000 Cessna aircraft have been delivered around the world, including more than 5,700 Citations, making it the world’s largest fleet of business jets.
