'Longitude' Rolled Out At EBACE

Another trade show, another new airplane announcement for Cessna. The Wichita planemaker rolled out its new Citation Longitude Monday at the European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (EBACE). This launch follows on the heels of Cessna's announcement, just over six months ago, of the new Citation M2 and Citation Latitude.

Boasting a 4,000-nautical-mile range and a maximum speed of Mach .86, the Citation Longitude will make a non-stop flight from New York to Paris, London to Dubai or Beijing to Moscow. At a price of $25.999 million, Cessna believes that the Citation Longitude is the best value 4,000-nautical-mile super mid-size business jet available.

Scott Ernest, Cessna president and CEO said: "The Citation Longitude sets itself apart with the largest Citation cabin, intercontinental range and a price point unmatched by other business jets with similar performance. This super mid-size jet sets a new standard for cabin efficiency, connectivity and stylish comfort."

The Citation Longitude will be powered by two Silvercrest engines, with 11,000 pounds of thrust, made by Snecma (Safran group). These engines lead the industry in fuel efficiency, weight and maintainability. The engines will be on an on-condition maintenance plan, which is expected to reduce the operating costs of the aircraft because maintenance intervals will be extended significantly. "We are thrilled to bring the Silvercrest engine to Cessna customers because of its best-in-class efficiency, reliability and quality," Ernest said. "This engine is expected to take the Citation Longitude to a new level and give our customers the range, efficiency and noise-reduction they need to be successful in today's competitive environment."

The Citation Longitude's state-of-the-art cockpit features Garmin G5000 avionics with touch-screen controls and all of the capabilities required to comply with emerging operating requirements for intercontinental aircraft, including FANS/CPDLC, ADSB and RNP.

With space for a crew of two plus up to eight passengers and one optional additional crew member seat, the Citation Longitude features a stand-up 6-foot  high, 31-foot flat floor passenger cabin. Cessna's intelligent cabin technology developed specifically for the Citation line, Clairity, will be standard on the Longitude to provide each passenger the 'ultimate connectivity experience.'

Cabin seat configuration options include a dual-club eight-seat arrangement and a four-place forward club with a three-place couch and entertainment credenza. Cabin-length indirect LED lighting is provided overhead in the passenger service units with variable adjustment for direct reading lights and more. For long-distance travel comfort, the cabin is equipped with a dual-zone temperature control, a fully operational galley with an oven and cold storage along with a pressurized water system. The aircraft features a large lavatory equipped with a vacuum-assist toilet. The cabin also features in-flight access to a spacious baggage storage area.

Entry into service is expected in 2017. (Images requested from Cessna)

FNI: www.cessna.com