Textron Aviation delivers the first flagship Cessna Citation Longitude registered in Mexico

The U.S.-based plane maker Textron Aviation has delivered the first flagship Cessna Citation Longitude business jet registered in Mexico to a customer who plans to utilize the aircraft for business travel throughout Mexico and North America. The Longitude received certification from the Mexican Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC) in 2022.

The Cessna Citation Longitude super-midsize business jet is designed, produced and delivered by Textron Aviation Inc.

“The Citation Longitude’s performance, efficiency and unrivalled cabin experience make it the perfect aircraft for passengers and pilots alike, and we are pleased to deliver this for our customers in Mexico,” said Lannie O’Bannion, senior vice president of Global Sales and Flight Operations. “We’re grateful for the owners and operators who continue to choose Citation business jets for their business and personal travel, and to the extraordinary Textron Aviation workforce that designs, builds and maintains our legendary lineup of aircraft.”

The Citation Longitude incorporates the latest technologies throughout the aircraft like integrated autopilot, autothrottles, and emergency descent mode (EDM). The aircraft is equally designed around the pilot experience, passenger comfort and overall performance, delivering an aircraft that lives up to its designation as the flagship of the Citation family of business jets. No other super-midsize business jet offers more range, greater payload or higher cruise speed at a lower direct operating cost. Longitude owners and operators in Mexico can appreciate city pairs such as Monterrey, Mexico to Asuncion, Paraguay; Toluca, Mexico to Belem, Brazil; and with only one stop, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico to Tokyo, Japan.

Textron Aviation confirms order for 40 Cessna Skyhawks to support pilot training for ATP Flight School

Textron Aviation confirmed an agreement with ATP Flight School for the purchase of 40 Cessna Skyhawk aircraft to be delivered in 2025. The piston aircraft will add to ATP’s existing fleet of nearly 200 Skyhawks, positioned across 82 training centres throughout the U.S. 

This is the second fleet purchase of Cessna Skyhawks for ATP's Airline Career Pilot Program in less than a year, as the flight school scales to train 20,000 airline pilots by 2030. In October 2022, ATP and Textron Aviation agreed to the purchase of 55 Cessna Skyhawks, with deliveries starting in the third quarter of 2023.

“The Cessna Skyhawk has been the standard in aircraft training for over six decades,” said Chris Crow, vice president, Textron Aviation Piston Sales. “We are thrilled to see these aircraft continue to inspire the next generation of professional pilots through this agreement with ATP Flight School.”

The stable flight characteristics, advanced avionics and demonstrated dispatch reliability of the Skyhawk have made it a dependable training platform for the flight school for over three decades. The new aeroplanes will be used by students to put them in the pilot’s seat of the most popular training aircraft in the industry.

“With 95 Skyhawks on order, ATP is committed to providing students with unparalleled access to a modern and advanced fleet, so they can achieve their airline career goals on the fastest timeline possible,” said Michael Arnold, vice president of Marketing, ATP Flight School. “ATP’s nationwide fleet operates over a half million flight hours annually, with the oversight and support from ATP’s safety, maintenance, and flight operations quality assurance teams. The Skyhawk’s proven dispatch reliability and effectiveness as a trainer is crucial in meeting this mission and delivering industry-leading training.”

Say hello to the new Cessna Citation Ascend

Textron Aviation unveils the newest Cessna Citation business jet in the legendary 560XL series — the Cessna Citation Ascend. 

Officially unveiled at The European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (EBACE), the Citation Ascend is designed to bring an entirely new cockpit, improved performance and a more luxurious cabin to the midsize business jet market and is expected to enter into service in 2025.

“Of the Citation family, there’s none more flown than the Citation 560XL series. With an 560XL aircraft taking off or landing every two minutes somewhere in the world, this aircraft will be part of the most successful business jet family,” said Ron Draper, president and CEO, Textron Aviation. “On behalf of our teams, we are proud to announce the latest innovation in the Citation family — the new Cessna Citation Ascend. We asked customers what they wanted in the next evolution of this iconic aircraft, and we believe the Citation Ascend will deliver.”

A jet that means business

Whether flying for charter services, personal transportation or corporate flight departments, the Ascend is designed to lead the market in performance and cabin experience.

The Cessna Citation Ascend will offer state-of-the-art Garmin G5000 avionics featuring the latest software and hardware, including:

Autothrottle technology to reduce pilot workload and provide flight-envelope protection

Three large, 14-inch ultra high-resolution displays with split-screen capabilities

Standard dual flight management systems

Synthetic vision to render obstacles like mountains or terrain

Cockpit voice and data satellite transceiver to make satellite calls from the cockpit

New Garmin advanced weather detection and avoidance technology

Second Iridium data radio and CPDLC to support customers with more direct routing between North America and Europe (optional)

The Citation Ascend will give operators versatility and flexibility to accomplish any mission, now and in the future. Customers will also enjoy many of the luxuries found in the bestselling Citation Latitude and flagship Citation Longitude. This is made easier with a common Garmin cockpit, an important feature for customers who operate multiple Citations.

Efficiency and productivity

The Citation Ascend will offer Pratt & Whitney Canada PW545D engines designed to deliver better fuel efficiency, increased thrust and longer time-on-wing. The engines use new materials and technology — including a more efficient high-pressure compressor, an enhanced single-stage high-pressure turbine module, and an upgraded exhaust mixer. The PW545D engines are also equipped with a Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC), enabling the new autothrottle technology and ensuring they operate at their maximum efficiency and with reduced pilot workload.

Preliminary performance targets indicate:

A four-passenger range of 1,900 nm at high-speed cruise power (with an estimated maximum range of 2,100 nm)

Cruise at 441 kts

And the ability to climb direct to 45,000 ft

Design improvements on the aircraft deliver the ability to carry a higher combination of payload and fuel load while retaining access to short runways. With four passengers at high-speed cruise power, customers will enjoy trips such as London City, UK, to Athens, Greece; Helsinki, Finland, to Porto, Portugal; or La Mole, France, to Prague, Czech Republic.

“The Cessna Citation Ascend builds upon more than 20 years of the 560XL series success in the market,” said Lannie O’Bannion, senior vice president, Global Sales and Flight Operations. “It’s designed to outperform and take our customers further in style.”

The Citation Ascend will include an unattended Honeywell RE100 [XL] Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) with self-management and added bleed leak detection. The unattended operation capability of the APU allows pilots to prepare for every flight efficiently, including heating and cooling the cabin with less fuel and less noise.

The Citation Ascend lets customers do more — making the sky their competitive edge.

Attention to every detail, including the floor

Textron Aviation unveils newest addition to bestselling business jet family: Cessna Citation Ascend

Textron Aviation unveils the newest Cessna Citation business jet in the legendary 560XL series — the Cessna Citation Ascend. 

Officially unveiled at The European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (EBACE), the Citation Ascend is designed to bring an entirely new cockpit, improved performance and a more luxurious cabin to the midsize business jet market and is expected to enter into service in 2025.

“Of the Citation family, there’s none more flown than the Citation 560XL series. With an 560XL aircraft taking off or landing every two minutes somewhere in the world, this aircraft will be part of the most successful business jet family,” said Ron Draper, president and CEO, Textron Aviation. “On behalf of our teams, we are proud to announce the latest innovation in the Citation family — the new Cessna Citation Ascend. We asked customers what they wanted in the next evolution of this iconic aircraft, and we believe the Citation Ascend will deliver.”

A jet that means business

Whether flying for charter services, personal transportation or corporate flight departments, the Ascend is designed to lead the market in performance and cabin experience.

The Cessna Citation Ascend will offer state-of-the-art Garmin G5000 avionics featuring the latest software and hardware, including:

Autothrottle technology to reduce pilot workload and provide flight-envelope protection

Three large, 14-inch ultra high-resolution displays with split-screen capabilities

Standard dual flight management systems

Synthetic vision to render obstacles like mountains or terrain

Cockpit voice and data satellite transceiver to make satellite calls from the cockpit

New Garmin advanced weather detection and avoidance technology

Second Iridium data radio and CPDLC to support customers with more direct routing between North America and Europe (optional)

The Citation Ascend will give operators versatility and flexibility to accomplish any mission, now and in the future. Customers will also enjoy many of the luxuries found in the bestselling Citation Latitude and flagship Citation Longitude. This is made easier with a common Garmin cockpit, an important feature for customers who operate multiple Citations.

Efficiency and productivity

The Citation Ascend will offer Pratt & Whitney Canada PW545D engines designed to deliver better fuel efficiency, increased thrust and longer time-on-wing. The engines use new materials and technology — including a more efficient high-pressure compressor, an enhanced single-stage high-pressure turbine module, and an upgraded exhaust mixer. The PW545D engines are also equipped with a Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC), enabling the new autothrottle technology and ensuring they operate at their maximum efficiency and with reduced pilot workload.

Preliminary performance targets indicate:

A four-passenger range of 1,900 nm at high-speed cruise power (with an estimated maximum range of 2,100 nm)

Cruise at 441 kts

And the ability to climb direct to 45,000 ft

Design improvements on the aircraft deliver the ability to carry a higher combination of payload and fuel load while retaining access to short runways. With four passengers at high-speed cruise power, customers will enjoy trips such as London City, UK, to Athens, Greece; Helsinki, Finland, to Porto, Portugal; or La Mole, France, to Prague, Czech Republic.

“The Cessna Citation Ascend builds upon more than 20 years of the 560XL series success in the market,” said Lannie O’Bannion, senior vice president, Global Sales and Flight Operations. “It’s designed to outperform and take our customers further in style.”

The Citation Ascend will include an unattended Honeywell RE100 [XL] Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) with self-management and added bleed leak detection. The unattended operation capability of the APU allows pilots to prepare for every flight efficiently, including heating and cooling the cabin with less fuel and less noise.

The Citation Ascend lets customers do more — making the sky their competitive edge.

Attention to every detail, including the floor

Emergency automatic landing feature added to new Beechcraft Denali aircraft......

The Beechcraft Denali cockpit features the Garmin G3000 intuitive avionics suite with high-resolution screens and touchscreen controllers May 08, 2023 11:02 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Textron Aviation has confirmed it is adding the revolutionary Garmin Emergency Autoland system to its new clean-sheet design Beechcraft Denali single-engine turboprop. The new feature is being implemented into the aircraft’s development and flight test program and will be available as a standard feature at the time of entry into service.

The Garmin Emergency Autoland system is the world’s first certified system of its kind. It provides a means for the aircraft to land automatically in the unlikely event of pilot incapacitation. A passenger can activate the Emergency Autoland system by pressing a dedicated button in the cockpit. Once activated, the system immediately takes control of the aircraft and informs ATC of the emergency. It then calculates a flight path to the most suitable airport or runway, while avoiding terrain and adverse weather, initiates a stabilized approach and automatically lands the aircraft, bringing it to a stop before shutting down the engine.

“The Autoland system is an excellent addition to the Beechcraft Denali and the G3000 avionics suite, and we’ve included it in the program as a direct response to continued conversations with our customers,” said Lannie O’Bannion, senior vice president, Sales & Flight Operations. “The feature makes the Denali even more desirable to a wider audience as it adds yet another element of assurance and peace of mind for pilots and passengers.”

Textron Aviation is aligning the Beechcraft Denali aircraft certification timing, which is expected in 2025, to the certification timeline for the new Catalyst engine. The Denali is the first aircraft powered by the new, more efficient engine.

Textron Aviation to add emergency autoland system to its Beechcraft Denali aircraft cockpits

The Beechcraft Denali cockpit features the Garmin G3000 intuitive avionics suite with high-resolution screens and touchscreen controllers May 08, 2023 11:02 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Textron Aviation has confirmed it is adding the revolutionary Garmin Emergency Autoland system to its new clean-sheet design Beechcraft Denali single-engine turboprop. The new feature is being implemented into the aircraft’s development and flight test program and will be available as a standard feature at the time of entry into service.

The Garmin Emergency Autoland system is the world’s first certified system of its kind. It provides a means for the aircraft to land automatically in the unlikely event of pilot incapacitation. A passenger can activate the Emergency Autoland system by pressing a dedicated button in the cockpit. Once activated, the system immediately takes control of the aircraft and informs ATC of the emergency. It then calculates a flight path to the most suitable airport or runway, while avoiding terrain and adverse weather, initiates a stabilized approach and automatically lands the aircraft, bringing it to a stop before shutting down the engine.

“The Autoland system is an excellent addition to the Beechcraft Denali and the G3000 avionics suite, and we’ve included it in the program as a direct response to continued conversations with our customers,” said Lannie O’Bannion, senior vice president, Sales & Flight Operations. “The feature makes the Denali even more desirable to a wider audience as it adds yet another element of assurance and peace of mind for pilots and passengers.”

Textron Aviation is aligning the Beechcraft Denali aircraft certification timing, which is expected in 2025, to the certification timeline for the new Catalyst engine. The Denali is the first aircraft powered by the new, more efficient engine.

Textron Aviation celebrates 400th delivery for Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen2

This week Textron Aviation announced the delivery of its 400th Citation CJ4 series aircraft to Koch Holdings of Easton, Pennsylvania. This milestone delivery for the Cessna Citation CJ4 series reinforces the Citation family as the world’s most popular line of business jets and demonstrates the company’s commitment to continued innovation for customers as exemplified in the latest Citation CJ4 Gen2 aircraft. Cessna Citation jets are designed and manufactured by Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. company.

“Our customers appreciate the quality and reliability, as well as the comfort and flexibility provided by the Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen2,” said Lannie O’Bannion, senior vice president, Global Sales and Flight Operations. “This aircraft is a direct response to continued conversations with our customers. Their input, combined with the excellent work by our employees, helped create an incredible aircraft. Thank you to everyone who made this milestone possible.”

Textron Aviation employees and representatives from Koch Holdings celebrated this significant milestone with a special delivery ceremony at Textron Aviation headquarters in Wichita.

The Citation CJ4 business jet series, which entered service in 2010, continues to stand out due to its combination of high performance, low operating costs and class-leading cabin amenities. It’s recognized as one of the premier single-pilot business aircraft in the world.

About the Citation CJ4 Gen2

The CJ4 Gen2 is the largest Citation aircraft in the light jet segment. Cessna Citations are renowned for combining reliability, efficiency and comfort with class-leading performance, and no other family of business jets offers such a seamless progression of aircraft with extraordinary capabilities.

The single-pilot certified CJ4 Gen2 combines superior speed, range and operating economics compared to larger aircraft, making it the ideal platform for owner-operators or corporate missions. The jet seats up to ten passengers and offers a 1,040-pound baggage capacity.

Valued by customers around the world for luxury and productivity, the CJ4 Gen2 is also used for a wide range of missions including air ambulance, maritime patrol, search and rescue and aerial survey.

Textron Aviation Special Missions Beechcraft King Air 260 chosen as new U.S. Navy Multi-Engine Training System (METS)

Textron Aviation has confirmed it has been awarded the Multi-Engine Training System (METS) contract by Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) through a full and open competition.

The contract award is for up to 64 King Air 260 aircraft, which will be known as the T-54A. The initial Lot I award will procure 10 new Beechcraft King Air 260 commercial aircraft and associated support. Lot II and Lot III, if the options are exercised, would each procure up to 27 aircraft. Aircraft deliveries are planned from 2024 to 2026.

The Beechcraft King Air 260 aircraft acquired under the METS contract will replace the Chief of Naval Air Training (CNATRA) fleet of T-44C Pegasus aircraft. The T-44C Pegasus aircraft is a variant of the twin-engine and pressurized Beechcraft King Air 90. The T-44 has been in service since 1977.

“We are honoured the U.S. Navy has again selected the Beechcraft King Air to fulfil its training needs,” said Bob Gibbs, vice president, of Special Missions Sales for Textron Aviation. “METS will modernize multi-engine aircraft training at CNATRA, providing an intermediate and advanced training platform for U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Coast Guard aviators into the P-8, EP-3, KC-130, E-6, E-2, CMV-22, CV-22 and MV-22 aircraft.”

METS-specific capabilities include factory options for TACAN (Air to Air), angle of attack (AOA), V/UHF radio, digital audio system, engine trend monitoring, condition-based maintenance plus, observer/jump seat, passenger mission seats, and full-face oxygen masks.

“With its advanced technology, the new METS platform will be more representative of fleet aircraft,” said Capt. Holly Shoger, Naval Undergraduate Flight Training Systems Program Office (PMA-273) program manager. “The T-54A will include an updated avionics suite, automation qualities, and virtual reality and augmented reality devices to better prepare students for the advanced aircraft they will fly in the fleet.”

Textron Reports Fourth Quarter 2022 Results

Textron Inc. this week reported fourth-quarter 2022 income from continuing operations of $1.07 per share, compared with $0.93, or $0.94 per share of adjusted income from continuing operations, a non-GAAP measure that is defined and reconciled to GAAP in an attachment to this release, in the fourth quarter of 2021. 

 Full year 2022 income from continuing operations was $4.01 per share up from $3.30 in 2021.

“2022 was a strong year at Textron with solid revenue growth, order flow and execution at Aviation, new program awards at Systems, higher revenues and operating profit at Industrial and the contract award for the U.S. Army's Future Long Range Assault Aircraft program at Bell,” said Textron Chairman and CEO Scott C. Donnelly.

Cash Flow

Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations of the manufacturing group for the full year was $1.5 billion. Manufacturing cash flow before pension contributions, a non-GAAP measure that is defined and reconciled to GAAP in an attachment to this release, totaled $1.2 billion for the full year, up $29 million from 2021.

In the quarter, Textron returned $228 million to shareholders through share repurchases. Full year 2022 share repurchases totaled $867 million.

Outlook

For 2023, Textron will begin reporting earnings per share on an adjusted basis to exclude LIFO inventory provision and intangible amortization expense, both non-cash items, effective with the first quarter 2023 financial results.

Textron is forecasting 2023 revenues of approximately $14.0 billion, up from $12.9 billion. Textron expects full-year 2023 GAAP earnings per share from continuing operations will be in the range of $4.40 to $4.60, or $5.00 to $5.20 on an adjusted basis as described above, which is reconciled to GAAP in an attachment to this release.

The company is estimating net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations of the manufacturing group will be between $1.3 billion and $1.4 billion and manufacturing cash flow before pension contributions, a non-GAAP measure, will be between $0.9 billion and $1.0 billion, with planned pension contributions of about $50 million.

“The 2023 outlook reflects higher revenues, increased profit and operating margin expansion with a continuation of our growth strategy of ongoing investments in new products and programs to drive increases in long-term shareholder value,” Donnelly concluded.

Fourth Quarter Segment Results

Textron Aviation delivers 3,000th Cessna Caravan family aircraft....

Textron Aviation has delivered a Cessna Grand Caravan EX to Brazilian aviation company Azul Conecta, a subsidiary of Azul Airlines based at the airport of Jundiai in São Paulo. This aircraft represents the 3,000th Cessna Caravan family turboprop delivered worldwide, reinforcing the Caravan as the most popular utility turboprop in the world. Azul Conecta transports travellers from smaller cities and remote locations throughout Brazil.

Textron Aviation employees and representatives from Azul Conecta celebrated this significant milestone with a special delivery ceremony at Textron Aviation’s location in Independence, Kansas.

“The Cessna Caravan’s versatility and reliability have made it the most popular aircraft in the utility turboprop category, with now 3,000 delivered globally,” said Lannie O’Bannion, senior vice president of Sales and Flight Operations at Textron Aviation. “I’m thankful to customers like Azul Conecta who continuously rely on the Caravan family of aircraft to fulfil their missions, deliver solutions and improve lives around the world.”

Conceived as a rugged utility aircraft with low operating costs, the Caravan was designed for use in remote areas with extreme weather changes, mountainous terrain and rough landing conditions. The aircraft’s versatility became renowned in all corners of the world, and the Caravan continues to see wide use in global markets by a variety of customers, including government agencies, law enforcement and militaries, air ambulance operators, freight hauliers, corporations and humanitarian organizations.

Textron Aviation Defense delivers 1,000th Beechcraft T-6 Texan II, global fleet surpasses 5M flight hour milestone

Photo Textron Aviation

Textron Aviation Defense announced this week the delivery of the 1,000th Beechcraft T-6C Texan II aircraft and the achievement of the 5 million flight hour milestone across the global T-6 fleet. All Beechcraft T-6 Texan II aircraft are designed and manufactured at the company’s Wichita, Kansas facilities.

“It’s an honour to celebrate the 1,000th delivery of a truly legendary aircraft,” said Ron Draper, president and CEO of Textron Aviation. “The world’s most advanced global air forces and pilots trust us to deliver a great aircraft that enables them to make the world a better, more secure place. Our world-class workforce goes above and beyond to design, manufacture, deliver and support the world’s premier military flight trainer. It is an honour that partner nations continue to put their confidence in the Beechcraft T-6 Texan II as the gold standard in training capabilities.”

The 1,000th T-6 military flight trainer was delivered to the Colombian Air Force. The fleet of five T-6C Texan II trainers equip Air Combat Command No. 1 (CACOM-1) with its initial slate of Beechcraft T-6C Texan II advanced military training aircraft at the Capitan Germán Olano Moreno Air Base in Palanquero, Colombia.

Photo Textron Aviation

The global fleet of Beechcraft T-6 Texan II Integrated Training Systems (ITS) encompasses five variants, which were manufactured on an active production line with an industry-leading Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) rating of 10.

Leading the fleet are the Joint Primary Aircraft Training System (JPATS) T-6A and T-6B aircraft — operated by the United States Air Force and the United States Navy, respectively.

The T-6C is an exportable military flight trainer.

The T-6C+ is an exportable armed variant of the T-6C.

The T-6D is operated by the United States Army.

“Together, our team has crafted an integrated training system that is the world’s most advanced, most sought-after capability for producing pilots — in particular, 4th and 5th gen pilots,” said Tom Hammoor, president & CEO of Textron Aviation Defense LLC. “Our nation has relied on the T-6 for more than 20 years to train its flight students. Prior to that, the United States relied on the Beechcraft T-34 Turbo Mentor, the Beechcraft T-34 Mentor and the Cessna T-37 Tweet. That means that every pilot across the Department of Defense has learned to fly in a Beechcraft or Cessna aircraft for nearly 70 years.”

The fleet of 1,000 Beechcraft T-6 Texan II trainers empower global pilot capabilities across 13 nations and two North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) flight schools. Operators of the T-6 include the:

NATO Flight Training Program in Canada

Euro NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program (ENJJPT) at Sheppard AFB, Texas

U.S. Air Force Aviation Leadership Program

U.S. Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Army and Coast Guard

Mexican Navy and Mexican Air Force

Hellenic Air Force

Argentine Air Force

Iraqi Air Force

Israeli Air Force

Royal Air Force

Royal Canadian Air Force

Royal Moroccan Air Force

Royal New Zealand Air Force

Colombian Air Force

Royal Thai Air Force

Tunisian Air Force

Additionally, the U.S. Air Force recently announced a 14th nation will acquire the T-6C via a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program leveraging 2021 and 2022 Building Partnership Capacity funds.

Proven experience, affordability

Backed by more than 90 years of experience delivering more than 250,000 aircraft worldwide, the Beechcraft T-6 Texan II’s low acquisition, operating and sustainment costs enable global air forces to fast-track pilot production. With an installed base that more than quadruples its closest competitor, the family of Beechcraft T-6 Texan II aircraft has been the world’s number one Integrated Training System (ITS) for more than 20 years. The Beechcraft T-6 Texan II capitalizes on an active production line with an industry-leading Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) rating of 10 as well as a proven supply chain and the affordability of 85 percent parts commonality with the Beechcraft AT-6E Wolverine.

FedEx gets its first Cessna SkyCourier twin utility turboprop

Textron Aviation today announced the first delivery of the Cessna SkyCourier twin utility turboprop to FedEx Express. This is the first of 50 freighter aircraft that global logistics firm FedEx Express ordered as the Cessna SkyCourier’s launch customer. The clean-sheet aircraft achieved Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) type certification in March 2022.

The Cessna SkyCourier is designed and manufactured by Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. 

“FedEx took delivery of its first Cessna in the mid-1980s and the two companies have had a collaborative relationship over the four decades since,” said Ron Draper, president and CEO, of Textron Aviation. “We’re thrilled to deliver this aircraft that will help FedEx serve its customers more efficiently as it is designed with the option to carry industry-standard prepacked cargo containers. We believe many other air freight, passenger and special mission operators also will benefit from the winning combination of low operating costs and unparalleled lift capacity that the new Cessna SkyCourier brings to the market.”

In addition to the initial fleet order, FedEx Express has options for 50 more SkyCourier aircraft. Members of the FedEx Express design and engineering teams participated in Textron Aviation’s Customer Advisory Board to help shape the aircraft’s design, features and serviceability.

“For nearly 50 years, FedEx has been known for being flexible and innovative in finding solutions for our customers, and this aircraft will help us better serve small and medium markets where we aren’t able to operate our larger aircraft,” said Scot Struminger, CEO and Executive Vice President of Aviation, FedEx Express. "The SkyCourier will make us more efficient, now being able to move containerized and palletized freight for our customers.”

“The result of four-and-a-half years of collaboration with Textron Aviation on this aircraft, FedEx Express is excited to add the Cessna 408 SkyCourier as part of our fleet modernization program,” Struminger added.

The Cessna SkyCourier

The Cessna SkyCourier twin-engine, high-wing turboprop offers a combination of performance and lower operating costs for air freight, passenger and special mission operators. In addition to the freighter version, there is a 19-passenger variant of the SkyCourier that includes separate crew and passenger entries for smooth boarding, as well as large cabin windows for natural light and views. Both configurations offer single-point pressure refuelling to enable faster turnarounds.

The aircraft is powered by two wing-mounted Pratt & Whitney PT6A-65SC turboprop engines and features the McCauley Propeller C779, a heavy-duty and reliable 110-inch aluminium four-blade propeller, which is full feathering with reversible pitch, designed to enhance the performance of the aircraft while hauling large loads. The SkyCourier is operated with Garmin G1000 NXi avionics. It has a maximum cruise speed of more than 200 ktas and a 900 nautical-mile maximum range. The aircraft features a large door and a flat floor cabin, and the freighter version can hold up to three LD3 shipping containers with an impressive 6,000 pounds of payload capability.

 

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Textron Aviation celebrates first delivery of the new Cessna SkyCourier to FedEx Express

Textron Aviation today announced the first delivery of the Cessna SkyCourier twin utility turboprop to FedEx Express. This is the first of 50 freighter aircraft that global logistics firm FedEx Express ordered as the Cessna SkyCourier’s launch customer. The clean-sheet aircraft achieved Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) type certification in March 2022.

The Cessna SkyCourier is designed and manufactured by Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. 

“FedEx took delivery of its first Cessna in the mid-1980s and the two companies have had a collaborative relationship over the four decades since,” said Ron Draper, president and CEO, of Textron Aviation. “We’re thrilled to deliver this aircraft that will help FedEx serve its customers more efficiently as it is designed with the option to carry industry-standard prepacked cargo containers. We believe many other air freight, passenger and special mission operators also will benefit from the winning combination of low operating costs and unparalleled lift capacity that the new Cessna SkyCourier brings to the market.”

In addition to the initial fleet order, FedEx Express has options for 50 more SkyCourier aircraft. Members of the FedEx Express design and engineering teams participated in Textron Aviation’s Customer Advisory Board to help shape the aircraft’s design, features and serviceability.

“For nearly 50 years, FedEx has been known for being flexible and innovative in finding solutions for our customers, and this aircraft will help us better serve small and medium markets where we aren’t able to operate our larger aircraft,” said Scot Struminger, CEO and Executive Vice President of Aviation, FedEx Express. "The SkyCourier will make us more efficient, now being able to move containerized and palletized freight for our customers.”

“The result of four-and-a-half years of collaboration with Textron Aviation on this aircraft, FedEx Express is excited to add the Cessna 408 SkyCourier as part of our fleet modernization program,” Struminger added.

The Cessna SkyCourier

The Cessna SkyCourier twin-engine, high-wing turboprop offers a combination of performance and lower operating costs for air freight, passenger and special mission operators. In addition to the freighter version, there is a 19-passenger variant of the SkyCourier that includes separate crew and passenger entries for smooth boarding, as well as large cabin windows for natural light and views. Both configurations offer single-point pressure refuelling to enable faster turnarounds.

The aircraft is powered by two wing-mounted Pratt & Whitney PT6A-65SC turboprop engines and features the McCauley Propeller C779, a heavy-duty and reliable 110-inch aluminium four-blade propeller, which is full feathering with reversible pitch, designed to enhance the performance of the aircraft while hauling large loads. The SkyCourier is operated with Garmin G1000 NXi avionics. It has a maximum cruise speed of more than 200 ktas and a 900 nautical-mile maximum range. The aircraft features a large door and a flat floor cabin, and the freighter version can hold up to three LD3 shipping containers with an impressive 6,000 pounds of payload capability.

 

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 Apply the code at the checkout for UK standard delivery. 

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Textron completes its take over of Pipistrel

          Textron confirmed on Monday it has closed its acquisition of  Pipistrel, an award-winning pioneer and global leader in electrically powered aircraft.

Pipistrel’s Velis Electro is the world’s first, and currently only, electric aircraft to receive full type certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The company, which offers a family of gliders and light aircraft with both electric and combustion engines, has delivered more than 2,500 light aircraft worldwide since its founding in 1989 and additionally has both hybrid and electric propulsion models under development.

As a Textron company, Pipistrel will have access to greater resources, technical and regulatory expertise and a global aircraft sales and support network, enabling it to accelerate its development and certification of electric and hybrid-electric aircraft. Pipistrel is now part of Textron’s newest business segment, Textron eAviation, which will pursue Textron’s long-term strategy to offer a family of sustainable aircraft for urban air mobility, general aviation, cargo and special mission roles. Rob Scholl, who has been leading Textron’s eAviation initiatives to date, has been named president and CEO of the segment.

Textron gets 30 Cessna Citation order from flyExclusive

The Cessna business jet maker Textron Aviation confirmed on Wednesday it received an order for five Cessna CJ3+ light jets from flyExclusive plus an option for 25 more jets.

“This order brings the efficiency and comfort of the Citation CJ3+ to a new audience of customers through flyExclusive’s programs,” said Ron Draper, President and CEO, Textron Aviation. “We appreciate customers like flyExclusive, who see the value in operating a broad range of jets from the Citation family. The operating economics of Citations, combined with the global network of service and support available through Textron Aviation, ensures continued productivity and enjoyment throughout the ownership experience.”

Owning and operating its fleet of 85 light, midsize, super-midsize and heavy jets, flyExclusive, based in Kinston, North Carolina is the third-largest Part 135 charter operator in the U.S. This order is expected to support the company’s Jet Club, Partner and new fractional program, in response to historic demand.

The Citation CJ3+ delivers exceptional performance, Garmin G3000 avionics and in-flight WiFi capability. Best-in-class acquisition and operating costs, seating for nine passengers, and up to 1,000 lbs of baggage capacity make the CJ3+ the ultimate utility player. With a range of up to 2,040 nautical miles, the Citation CJ3+ is perfectly suited for the light jet market segment and can fly single-pilot and up to four passengers nonstop from Washington, DC to Monterrey, Mexico, Sao Paulo to Santiago, London to Athens, or Shanghai to Tokyo.

“This expansion launches flyExclusive into the fractional space. We are committed to redefining the private flying experience, providing the full suite of products for our customers, all delivering consistent, reliable and world-class service,” said Jim Segrave, Chairman and Founder, flyExclusive. “We are proud to continue our relationship with Textron Aviation as we bring the CJ3+ into our esteemed fleet. The addition of these new CJ3+ aircraft will allow us to expand our capabilities to support our continuing growth as one of the largest private jet charter operators in the industry.”

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Textron to Acquire Electric Aircraft Pioneer Pipistrel

Textron, home to the Cessna, Beechcraft, and Bell aviation brands, today announced it has entered into an agreement to purchase Pipistrel, an award-winning pioneer and global leader in electrically powered aircraft, based in Slovenia and Italy.

With Textron, Pipistrel will have access to greater resources, technical and regulatory expertise and a global aircraft sales and support network, enabling it to accelerate its development and certification of electric and hybrid-electric aircraft. Upon closing of the transaction, Textron plans to form a new business segment, Textron eAviation, focused on the development of sustainable aircraft, which will include Pipistrel.

“Pipistrel puts Textron in a uniquely strong position to develop technologies for the sustainable aviation market and develop a variety of new aircraft to meet a wide range of customer missions,” said Textron Chairman and CEO Scott Donnelly. “Today’s announcement supports Textron’s long-term strategy to offer a family of sustainable aircraft for urban air mobility, general aviation, cargo and special mission roles.”

Cessna SkyCourier Twin Utility Turboprop Earns FAA Type Certification

FAA officials and Textron Aviation employees mark type certification of the Cessna SkyCourier. (Photo: Business Wire)

Textron Aviation has confirmed the Federal Aviation Administration has granted type certification for the new twin-engine, large-utility turboprop Cessna SkyCourier. Using a clean-sheet design and advanced manufacturing processes, the high-wing aircraft’s production line is underway, and the first unit will soon enter the market with launch customer FedEx Express.

“Achieving FAA certification for the Cessna SkyCourier demonstrates the expertise and hard work of our employees, as well as Textron Aviation’s continued investment in providing solutions for our customers,” said Ron Draper, president and CEO, Textron Aviation. “Our clean-sheet design brings to this segment what customers said they need: the ability to load, fly, unload and repeat with low operating costs and maximum cabin flexibility and efficiency. We expect the SkyCourier to be a workhorse of the fleet for FedEx and many other customers around the globe for decades to come.”

The FAA’s Paul (Vu) Nguyen, acting manager of the Wichita ACO Branch (left) presents type certification of the Cessna SkyCourier to
 Chris Hearne, Textron Aviation’s senior vice president of Engineering. (Photo: Business Wire)

Three SkyCourier aircraft accumulated more than 2,100 hours throughout the flight test program, which formally started with an inaugural flight in May 2020. The company rolled out the first production unit of the SkyCourier earlier this year at the company’s manufacturing facility in Wichita.

Launch customer, FedEx Express has agreed to an initial fleet order of 50 cargo aircraft and options for 50 more. FedEx Express participated in Textron Aviation’s Customer Advisory Board along with other fleet operators to help shape the aircraft’s design, features and serviceability.

Cessna SkyCourier

The Cessna SkyCourier twin-engine, high-wing turboprop offers a combination of performance and lower operating costs for air freight, passenger and special mission operators. In addition to the freighter version, there is a 19-passenger variant of the SkyCourier that includes separate crew and passenger entries for smooth boarding, as well as large cabin windows for natural light and views. Both configurations offer single-point pressure refuelling to enable faster turnarounds.

The aircraft is powered by two wing-mounted Pratt & Whitney PT6A-65SC turboprop engines and features the McCauley Propeller C779, a heavy-duty and reliable 110-inch aluminium four-blade propeller, which is full feathering with reversible pitch, designed to enhance the performance of the aircraft while hauling large loads. The SkyCourier is operated with Garmin G1000 NXi avionics. It has a maximum cruise speed of more than 200 ktas and a 900 nautical-mile maximum range. The aircraft features a large door and a flat floor cabin, and the freighter version can hold up to three LD3 shipping containers with an impressive 6,000 pounds of payload capability.

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Richard F. Ambrose joins Textron as a director

Textron has announced that Richard F. Ambrose has been elected to the company's Board of Directors, effective April 1, 2022. Ambrose will be retiring, effective March 1, 2022, as the Executive Vice President of Lockheed Martin Corporation’s Space business after over 20 years at Lockheed Martin, a global security and aerospace company.

"We are extremely pleased to welcome Richard Ambrose to our Board," said Textron Chairman and CEO Scott Donnelly. "Richard’s extensive experience in the aerospace and defense industry and with U.S. Government defense programs will be invaluable to Textron," Donnelly added.

At Lockheed Martin Space, Ambrose managed a $12 billion enterprise which employs approximately 22,000 people and provides advanced technology systems for national security, civil and commercial customers. Prior to his most recent role, which he assumed in 2013, he served as President, Lockheed Martin Information Systems & Global Solutions-National from 2011-2012 and as Vice President & General Manager, Lockheed Martin Surveillance & Navigation Systems line of business within Space from 2006 through 2010. He joined Lockheed in 2000 as Vice President & General Manager, Lockheed Martin Ground Systems and served as President, Lockheed Martin Maritime Systems & Sensors Tactical Systems from 2004-2006.

Prior to Lockheed, Ambrose was President & General Manager, Space Systems, Hughes Information Systems (which merged with Raytheon C3I Systems in 1997) from 1995-2000. He has a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from DeVry Institute of Technology and an MBA from the University of Denver.

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Cessna Turbo Skylane Returns to Textron Aviation’s Renowned Piston Product Lineup

Textron Aviation announced the return of the Cessna Turbo Skylane T182T to its legendary piston product lineup, updated with the latest avionics suite and interiors. The Turbo Skylane’s turbocharged engine delivers exceptional power, generating optimal climb rates and faster cruise speeds, as well as enhanced utility for operations from high-altitude airfields. Textron Aviation is taking orders for the Turbo Skylane with first deliveries to begin in early 2023.

“The turbocharger adds another level of performance to an already exceptional aircraft,” said Ron Draper, president & CEO, Textron Aviation. “The Cessna Skylane is a remarkably instinctive aircraft to operate, and the turbocharged engine provides even greater performance that enhances the overall flying experience. The Turbo Skylane represents our commitment to offering new and innovative solutions to our piston owners and operators, and we’re pleased to bring expanded capabilities to this segment of the market. And with all of the latest attributes, the Turbo Skylane truly is better than ever.”