SHANGHAI, April 13, 2011 — Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, opens its exhibit in China for the Shanghai International Air Show as one of the leading general aviation companies in the country in terms of deliveries.
“The China market is very special to Cessna and we continue to focus our efforts here in terms of sales, manufacturing and customer support,” said Trevor Esling, Cessna vice president, International Sales. “We have important relationships throughout the country and continue to expand our presence here to ensure we have the resources to support our growing fleet.”
Cessna customers in China operate nearly 200 propeller aircraft and 26 Citation business jets in a variety of roles including training, business travel and special missions. Customers include the China Flight Inspection Center of the Civil Aviation Administration of China and the Civil Aviation Flying University of China.
Included in the Cessna China fleet are nine Caravan turboprops (two more deliveries expected this month) flying a variety of missions including passenger service, cargo and aerial photography.
Recent deliveries include three Citation Sovereigns to CFIC in December. In 2009, a Citation XLS operated by the CFIC landed and took off from Qamdo Bangda Airport (BPX/ZUBD) in Tibet, demonstrating the aircraft’s capability to operate at the world’s highest airport at 14,219 feet (4,334 meters).
Cessna is also working with Chinese industry on aircraft production. Shenyang Aircraft Corporation produces Cessna’s Model 162 Skycatcher light sport aircraft. SAC has delivered more than 100 aircraft and Cessna holds orders for close to 900 more aircraft.
Cessna has been active in Hong Kong in terms of operations and product support and has plans for further growth in mainland China in the near future.
