First Caravan Oasis Sale to South Africa

October 11, 2004
Las Vegas, NV - October 11, 2004 - Today Cessna held a contract signing for the first Caravan Oasis to be delivered in Southern Africa. The contract was signed at the 2004 National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Convention. The aircraft will be used for executive transportation by a South African winery.

"The Caravan is the ideal aircraft for Africa mainly because of its short field capabilities, reliability, low operating cost, and adaptability," said Dave Novic, President of Comair, Cessna's Authorized Sales Representative for the Region. "This is the first Caravan Oasis that will operate out of South Africa. The customer chose the Caravan Oasis because they wanted the flexibility of the Caravan with the comfort of a Citation business jet."

Comair South Africa, Cessna's longest established distributor, played a key role in securing this sale and was present for the NBAA ceremony on behalf of the customer. "We are honored to have such a long-lasting relationship with Comair South Africa. They have been affiliated with Cessna since 1946," said John Doman, Vice President of Worldwide Propeller Sales. "Few, if any, aircraft manufacturers have this level of life long demonstrated commitment to their product by local partners. We consider Comair South Africa part of the Cessna family, and we are confident our partnership will lead to many great years ahead."

The OASIS interior provides Caravan customers with a new and simple way to travel in first class surroundings. Cessna and Yingling Aviation have established an agreement that enables Caravan customers to order their Yingling OASIS interior from Cessna for installation by Yingling under their exclusive STC. This arrangement allows customers to have their Yingling OASIS interior crafted concurrently with the production of their aircraft and take delivery of their beautiful new Caravan in a simplified delivery process.

The exclusive OASIS interior is distinguished by its high overall quality and attractive selections of leather, fabric, and cabinetry finishing. Unique accessory and entertainment offerings include two standard AC power outlets and three optional video screens strategically located throughout the cabin.

This year marks the Caravan's 20th anniversary since introduction. From the first Caravan delivery in 1984 to today's ever-growing fleet of over 1,400 aircraft, the Caravan continues to make a name for itself because of its high dispatch reliability, safety record, and payload capacity. The Caravan is available in four models: Caravan 675, Caravan Amphibian, Grand Caravan, and Super Cargomaster. The interior can be configured in a variety of ways to accommodate the operator's specific requirements.

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.

Connect with Textron IR

David Rosenberg, Vice President, Investor Relations
(401) 457-2288
Kyle Williams, Manager, Investor Relations
(401) 457-2288

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