Wichita, KS - December 2, 2004 - Cessna Aircraft Company celebrated the delivery of its first Citation CJ3 yesterday, December 1, 2004. This marks the third new Citation model to enter service in 2004. Earlier this year Cessna certified and delivered the first Citation XLS and Citation Sovereign.
"The CJ3 is an excellent addition to the family of CitationJets and has been enthusiastically accepted in the market place," stated Cessna's President and CEO Jack Pelton. "We've received many positive comments from customers about the CJ3. This is in part because the final performance figures far surpassed what we originally listed as the preliminary performance figures."
The Citation CJ3, model 525B, received its FAA type certification on October 15, 2004. The aircraft features the most comfortable cabin in its class, new Williams International FJ44-3A engines, and advanced fully integrated Collins avionics system. The CJ3 is certified for single pilot operation and has a maximum cruise speed of 417 knots at 33,000 feet. With two pilots, full fuel, four passengers and baggage, the CJ3 offers over 1,800 nm of range with NBAA IFR reserves. Service ceiling is 45,000 feet and the maximum gross takeoff weight is 13,870 lbs.
The CJ3's delivery comes just two years after the program was announced at the 2002 NBAA Convention. Cessna has received over 130 non-refundable CJ3 orders worth over $800 million.
Cessna Aircraft Company is a subsidiary of Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT). Textron is a $10 billion multi-industry company with more than 43,000 employees in 40 countries. The company leverages its global network of aircraft, 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, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO and Greenlee, among others. More information is available at www.textron.com. More information about Cessna Aircraft Company is available at www.cessna.com.
For additional information or questions about the general aviation industry, contact the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) at 202-393-1500 or www.GAMA.aero.