Company Focused On Big Planes... And Little Ones, Too

Cessna will be celebrating its 80th year in aviation in 2007. At NBAA 2006, Jack Pelton, CEO of Cessna, said that "Cessna is looking toward the future" -- and that future rests heavily on the Citation Mustang to propel the company into its next 80 years.

It sounds like a tall order for the company... but 21 Citation Mustangs are already in production at the Cessna's facility in Independence, KS. Teams of engineers and aircraft technicians have been working for months to get the tooling systems geared up to ensure an efficient ramp-up to full production. They are counting on their teammates at the component production facilities in Columbus, GA and Wichita to meet their production demands.

What motivated all of this activity of course was that on September 8, 2006 the Citation Mustang received full type certification (TC) from the FAA. The Mustang was the first in the new class of entry-level business jets to win full certification.

Speaking while surrounded by the heavy iron at NBAA, it's clear Pelton considers bizav a vital segment to Cessna's continued prosperity... but it was refreshing -- and reassuring -- when the Cessna chief assured everyone the company is staying true to the little guys, too.

"Cessna is still committed to single engine aircraft production," Pelton said. As a matter of fact, Cessna is getting ready to take the Skyhawk and CJs into the China market as trainers.

Cessna seems committed to trying to keep everyone happy... the big guys, and the little guys. With that sort of approach... it seems likely Cessna will be flying high into its next 80 years of service to the aviation community.

FMI: www.cessna.com