Wichita, KS - October 7, 2004 - Cessna Aircraft Company has appointed R. John Stack Vice President, Strategy & Business Development. He will serve as a member of Cessna's Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and report directly to Cessna President and CEO Jack J. Pelton. In this new role, Stack will work with the Cessna SLT to develop and execute strategies that drive continued profitable growth and will lead business development initiatives.
"Cessna is going to grow and John is going to help the leadership team at Cessna with our strategic processes to focus on growth. He will also help us evaluate new business opportunities. John comes to Cessna with a proven track record. I have worked with John over the last couple of years in his Textron role and really have grown to appreciate his talent and look forward to what he will bring to Cessna. He knows Cessna and has been integral in working with the SLT in the past," said Pelton.

Stack joins Cessna from Textron, Inc., where he served as Director, Strategy Development & International. He was responsible for leading strategic planning initiatives and conducting corporate and business strategy assessments. Stack played a key role in developing the Textron portfolio analysis, corporate vision and strategy. In addition, he worked closely with Textron businesses, including Cessna, in developing strategy and assessing new business opportunities.

Prior to Textron Stack spent more than ten years in finance, strategy and business development with Altria (formerly Philip Morris) in positions of increasing responsibility. Stack's significant international experience includes working in Switzerland for more than four years and business development activities in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Turkey and Asia.

Stack holds a bachleor's degree from Bryant College and an MBA from Fordham University. He is a certified Textron Six Sigma Green Belt. Stack and his wife, Lynn, will relocate to Wichita, Kansas with their three children.

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.