Citation XLS Receives FAA Approval

March 23, 2004

Wichita, KS - March 23, 2004 - Cessna's Citation XLS has received FAA program approval less than six months since its introduction at the 2003 National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) convention.

Final performance numbers for the Citation XLS are better than or identical to those announced:

Maximum Takeoff Weight: 20,200 lbs

Maximum Zero Fuel Weight: 15,100 lbs

Basic Operating Weight: 12,740 lbs

Useful Load: 7,660 lbs

Maximum Usable Fuel (6.7 lbs/gal): 6,740 lbs

Payload with Max Fuel: 920 lbs

Speed/Altitude: 431 ktas/43,000 ft

Climb Performance (45,000 ft/Fuel lb): 29 min/888 lbs

The Citation XLS is the successor to the Citation Excel, the fastest-selling business jet in the world. The XLS is powered by Pratt & Whitney's new PW545B engines that provide 3,991 pounds of takeoff thrust each, an increase of 4.9% compared to the Excel. This additional thrust also provides remarkable cruise speeds and climb performance. At its maximum takeoff weight, the XLS is able to climb directly to 45,000 feet in 29 minutes, and cruise at 429 ktas once at that altitude.

The XLS cockpit features the all new Honeywell Primus 1000 Control Display System (CDS) avionics system with three 8" x 10" liquid crystal displays; two primary flight displays (PFD), one for each pilot; and one multi-function display (MFD). The system's modernized displays present drop down menus that are accessed through a cursor controlled joystick in the pedestal. The Primus 1000 CDS is controlled by dual Integrated Avionics Computers each containing multiple functions including the flight director and autopilot. The system also incorporates Honeywell's emergency descent mode that provides protection for crew and passengers in the event of a loss of pressurization by directing the flight control system to turn the aircraft 90 degrees to the left and descend to 15,000 feet altitude. All standard XLS avionics have been repackaged, and the TCAS II and EGPWS components are now located in the nose of the aircraft for ease of maintenance.

The substantially expanded XLS standard equipment list incorporates over $600,000 of once optional Excel equipment. The nine-place interior includes a six-place center club-seating configuration, with a two-place belted couch and aft left-hand belted seat. New passenger seats have been added that provide two to four inches additional cushion width. On the flight deck, all new crew seats from Goodrich Aerospace will be standard. These seats articulate in several positions for maximum comfort on both long and short flights. The latest technology in interior switching has been incorporated as standard to control lighting, cabin temperature, window shades and audio/video equipment. Traditional cabin lighting has been replaced with LED lights, which are more robust and reliable. Additional new cabinetry has been added and veneer cabinetry is now standard. Other new standard equipment includes: APU, Pulselights, UNS-1ESP FMS, TCAS II, and EGPWS.

Another major enhancement to the XLS is the brake control system. Cessna has improved the brakes by moving the brake fluid reservoir, accumulator and hydraulic power pack to the left-hand faring. This allows for better maintainability and accessibility.

The XLS will be delivered with a comprehensive standard warranty: five years or 5,000 hours on the airframe and Honeywell Primus 1000 CDS avionics; five years or 2,500 hours on the Pratt & Whitney engines; and one year for paint, interior, and other supplier items.

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.

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