Deliveries Expected To Begin Later This Year

The FAA has granted type certification to Cessna's new Citation Latitude, according to Textron. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in the third quarter of this year.

Textron says the new Citation Latitude represents the perfect balance of comfort and efficiency and is the first business jet to combine a roomy, flat floor, stand-up cabin, with a midsize price and best-in-class operating costs.

“From inception, we looked at every aspect of how we design, build and deliver new products to the market with the goal to further improve upon the key attributes that make the Citation so highly esteemed,” said Scott Ernest, president and CEO of Textron Aviation. “Throughout the certification program, the Latitude demonstrated breakthrough results, which are evident in the aircraft’s performance and value proposition. And now, customers can experience firsthand how the Latitude can reduce operating costs, while increasing productivity and profitability for their businesses.”

FAA certification follows the aircraft’s first Atlantic crossing and European debut at the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition in May. Customer reception remains strong as the aircraft’s transcontinental and European performance capabilities were showcased during a month-long regional demonstration tour. The aircraft flew non-stop from St. John’s, Newfoundland to Valencia, Spain in just over 5 hours demonstrating notable fuel efficiency that would allow the aircraft to continue to several additional European destinations. The Citation Latitude will continue its global debut schedule throughout the remainder of the year.

The Latitude is entering the market with enhanced performance specifications, including increased range of 2,850 nm at long-range cruise and 2,700 nm at high-speed cruise, as well as improved runway performance of 3,580 feet, all of which are reflected in final certification results.

Among the first customers is NetJets, who has ordered up to 150 Citation Latitude business jets, with initial deliveries beginning in 2016.

Assembly of the Citation Latitude features a variety of technological advancements including the use of new automated robotics, monolithic machined structures and ergonomically friendly tooling stations, resulting in greater precision throughout the build process. Through these advancements, customers benefit from the highest quality, increased maintenance intervals and reduced aircraft down times. This, combined with the Latitude’s increased performance, results in up to 20 percent lower operating costs than competing aircraft.

The flight test program for the Latitude began with its first flight in February 2014 and grew to include four test articles that flew 690 flights and amassed 1,697 flight hours. The accelerated test program validated the maturity of the Garmin G5000 avionics system and features such as the new auto-throttle, which reduces pilot workload in critical phases of flight for enhanced safety.

(Images provided by Textron)

FMI: www.textron.com