Also Touts Accomplishments Of Newest Family Member

Cessna announced Monday at the Paris Air Show it recently put into operation the 5,000th Citation business jet, a Citation X. The aircraft will be displayed at several air shows and events this year, including the National Business Aviation Association annual meeting September 25-27.

The 5,000th Citation will be delivered to one of Cessna's largest customers, XOJet, later this year, adding to their growing fleet of Citation X aircraft.

"The 5,000th Citation is an exciting milestone to reach in our 80th year of business," said Cessna Chairman, President and CEO Jack J. Pelton. "The Citation line provides more business owners the convenience of point-to-point travel than ever before."

Cessna decided to enter into the jet market in the late 1960s to fill the gap between the top-of-the-line twin-engine turboprop and the early business jets of that era. The first Citation 500 was delivered in 1972. It was the first business jet to feature a fan-jet engine, setting new standards in economy ease of operation and low noise levels.

There are currently eight Citation models in production: the Mustang, CJ1+, CJ2+, CJ3, Encore+, XLS, Sovereign and Citation X. Two additional Citations are in the development process: the CJ4 and the XLS+.

And speaking of the latter two aircraft, Pelton noted development continues on schedule for the company’s two newest business jet programs. The Citation XLS+, complete with full avionics system, is close to its first flight, while the CJ4 design effort is well under way at the company’s engineering center in Wichita, KS.

“Both aircraft programs remain on target for both schedule and cost, and both have amassed a sizable order book, so we remain very pleased with the progress,” said Pelton. “We’re finding particularly strong interest for both new aircraft in Europe thanks to enhanced functionality and positive economic conditions across the continent.”

FMI: www.cessna.com