Cessna Reports Strong Citation Columbus Demand from Middle East

(Dubai, UAE, November 16, 2008) -- Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today at the 2008 Middle East Business Aviation show (MEBA) in Dubai that some 10 percent of orders for its new large cabin business jet, the Citation Columbus, have come from the Middle East.
Cessna launched the Columbus program earlier this year and holds more than 70 orders for the aircraft, priced at $27 million (2008 price). Wallan Aviation, Cessna's authorized sales representative in the Middle East, has already resold its initial order of three Columbus aircraft and has placed a follow on order for three additional units.

The Citation Columbus is expected to gain full certification in 2013 and enter service in 2014. It is expected to be the only aircraft in its class capable of 4,000 nautical miles (7,408 kilometers) non-stop at Mach .80. Preliminary performance numbers set a maximum cruise speed of 488 knots (904 kilometers per hour, Mach .85), a maximum operating speed of Mach .86, a full fuel payload of 1,950 pounds (886 kilograms) and takeoff field length of 5,400 feet (1,646 meters) at maximum takeoff weight.

"Cessna had the needs of Middle Eastern customers very much in mind when designing the Citation Columbus," said Cessna Vice President, International Sales, Trevor Esling. "It will offer non-stop range from Dubai to London, the largest cabin in its class, and ample space for luggage. We believe it is a very compelling proposition for a $27m aircraft and are confident it will continue to attract many more orders across the region."

Source : Textron Inc.

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Events related to this news release

• MRO Middle East [MRO] - Jan 21 - 22, 2009, Dubai,
• Aviation Fuel Management Forum [Aviation; Fuel] - Jan 27 - 28, 2009, Miami, FL, USA
• Future MRO in Civil Aviation [MRO] - Feb 2 - 3, 2009, London, UK
• Cockpit Avionics Summit [Avionics] - Feb 10 - 12, 2009, Annapolis, MD , USA
• Airport Security Middle East [Aviation] - Feb 22 - 25, 2009, Dubai,

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