OSHKOSH, Wis. (July 20, 2015) – Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, is displaying an extensive lineup of its commercial turboprop and piston products at this year’s Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) AirVenture Oshkosh, including the North American debut of the Pro Line Fusion-equipped Beechcraft King Air 250. Also headlining the company’s display are the Cessna Citation M2, the best selling business jet in its class, and the Cessna TTx, the fastest single-engine piston aircraft in its class.
“Beechcraft and Cessna customers are among the most passionate and enthusiastic in the general aviation community,” said Kriya Shortt, senior vice president, Sales and Marketing. “EAA AirVenture represents a unique forum for us to not only showcase our leading product lineup, but also to harness that enthusiasm and engage attendees on a wide range of topics – from the young pilot learning to fly in a Skyhawk to the seasoned aviator contemplating the transition into jet ownership.”
Citation leadership and CJP forums on stepping into jet ownership
Throughout EAA AirVenture, Textron Aviation is hosting a unique opportunity for pilots interested in transitioning into jet ownership by hosting forums with members of the Citation Jet Pilots (CJP) organization. Leading the impressive display at Oshkosh are the Cessna Citation M2 and Citation CJ3+ business jet – aircraft that showcase the speed, simplicity and commonality across Cessna’s Citation light jet platform.
Certified for single-pilot operation with room for seven passengers makes the M2 the entry-level jet owner pilots have been asking for. Less than two years after gaining FAA certification, the M2 is on track to reach its 100th delivery in the fourth quarter of this year. Unmatched in its category, the M2 has proven to be the most sold business jet in its class since entering the market.
After gaining initial certification from the FAA less than six months after its market introduction, the single pilot Citation CJ3+ has continued its strong market entry through recent additional certifications from Europe and Brazil. With a range of 2,040 nautical miles, best-in-class acquisition and operating costs, seating for nine passengers and exceptional performance with the G3000 avionics, the CJ3+ is a pilot’s ultimate utility player.
Turboprop strength and investment
Making its North America debut at EAA AirVenture, the Beechcraft King Air 250 on display features the recently announced Pro Line Fusion avionics system and cabin upgrades that will soon be standard for new production King Air turboprops. Pro Line Fusion for the King Air brings one of the most trusted avionics architectures to the first full touchscreen flight display system. The new avionics system changes how operators aviate, navigate and communicate through a one-of-a-kind intuitive flight deck interface. Its three 14-inch displays are interchangeable, high-resolution and cursor controlled.
The Cessna Grand Caravan EX on display features its class-leading standard interior, which includes an all-new lightweight seat frame, durable upholstery and enhanced ergonomics for unmatched comfort. This year the company is celebrating the Caravan’s 30th anniversary making three decades as the most reliable and versatile single-engine utility turboprop on the market.
Leading piston products
The Cessna TTx is an all-composite aircraft, designed specifically for comfort, speed and luxury. With advanced carbon fiber construction and touchscreen Garmin G2000 avionics, FIKI system and twin-turbocharged power, the TTx creates a truly unprecedented flight experience. The aircraft boasts a max cruise speed of 235 knots and a range of 1,250 nautical miles at economy cruise speeds.
Also making an appearance at EAA AirVenture this year is the Cessna Skylane 182T, powered by the Lycoming IO-540 engine. With an increased demand in the market, the company recently resumed production of this venerable product with deliveries scheduled to commence this quarter. Earlier this year Civil Air Patrol, Cessna’s largest single-engine piston customer, placed an order for 17 Skylanes.
The Cessna Turbo Stationair on display features the recently certified Venture Premium interior. Announced at EAA AirVenture last year, the added versatility of the Venture interior allows for up to five different cabin seating configurations and offers additional interior features with an optional seating package.
Investing in future pilot development
Textron Aviation’s static display also highlights the Kansas State University and University of North Dakota Top Hawk Cessna Skyhawks. Through the Top Hawk program, Cessna provides partner schools full use of a branded Cessna Skyhawk 172 aircraft for the year. Partner schools are using the aircraft for flight training, recruiting and promotional activities. In addition, one student from each school is participating in Textron Aviation’s internship program in cooperation with the Textron Aviation Employees’ Flying Club. This year’s Top Hawk partner schools include Kansas State University, University of North Dakota, Liberty University and Embry Riddle Aeronautical University.
About Textron Aviation Inc.
Textron Aviation Inc. is the leading general aviation authority and home to the iconic Beechcraft, Cessna and Hawker brands, which account for more than half of all general aviation aircraft flying. The Textron Aviation companies include Cessna Aircraft Company and Beechcraft Corporation, bringing together decades of unmatched experience in designing, building and supporting airplanes. It provides the most versatile and comprehensive general aviation product portfolio in the world through five principal lines of business: business jets, general aviation and special mission turboprop aircraft, high performance piston aircraft, military trainer and defense aircraft, and a complete global customer service organization. Its broad range of products include such best-selling aircraft as Citation and Hawker business jets, King Air and Caravan turboprops and T-6 military trainer aircraft, all of which are backed by the industry’s largest global service network. For more information, visit txtav.com.
About Africair, Inc.
Africair is the largest Cessna Aircraft Company distributor in the world. As Cessna’s exclusive Authorized Sales Representative for 48 countries in and around Africa, we distribute the entire Cessna product line, from the Cessna single engine piston Skyhawk to the fastest general aviation aircraft in the world, the Citation X.Cessna has manufactured more general aviation aircraft than any other company, and is recognized as the industry leader in safety, reliability, performance and innovation. In addition to selling new and used Cessna aircraft, we provide spare parts, product support, warranty administration, maintenance and technical support, and training coordination for Cessna aircraft owners and operators.
