Wichita, KS - March 2, 2005 - Marking another milestone for its leading lineup of Citation business jets, Cessna Aircraft Company announced that it is has begun production line flow of its new Citation CJ2+ and will soon begin production line flow of its new Citation CJ1+.
On February 11, 2005, the first Citation CJ2+ began its move down the production line. Serial number 525A-000300 is at the first phase of production and will be used to certify the avionics for the CJ2+. Additional units will begin moving down the line in the third quarter at regularly scheduled intervals. The first Citation CJ1+ is expected to begin production line flow in March 2005.
The Citation CJ1+, CJ2+ and CJ3 production lines have been combined to take advantage of part commonality and increased efficiency - a consolidation enabled by Cessna's lean manufacturing advancements. In addition, Citation CJ1+, CJ2+ and CJ3 tooling has been configured to expand or contract depending upon the specific model being produced. Therefore, Cessna can build any CJ1+, CJ2+ or CJ3 airframe on the same advanced production tooling. This sophisticated technology allows Cessna to adjust Citation CJ1+, CJ2+ and CJ3 production rates more efficiently, and deliver airplanes to customers with shorter lead times.
Other CJ1+ program milestones include completion of over 175 hours of flight-testing since first flight in October 2004. Flight tests already completed include field performance, stall speeds, systems verification and general aircraft handling qualities. Cessna is on schedule for first customer delivery in the fourth quarter of 2005.
The Citation CJ2+ also continues to progress on schedule. Cessna completed the prototype aircraft electrical power-on on January 27, 2005. First flight is anticipated in March 2005, certification in the fourth quarter of 2005, and first customer deliveries in the second quarter of 2006.
Cessna Aircraft Company is a subsidiary of Textron Inc. Textron is a $10 billion multi-industry company with 44,000 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, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO and Greenlee, among others. More information is available at www.textron.com or www.cessna.com.
Forward-looking statements: Certain statements in this release are forward-looking statements, including those that discuss anticipated certifications and customer deliveries and other events that will occur in the future. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and Cessna and Textron undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the statements, including the timing of certifications and the commencement of production.