Third Citation To Enter Service This Year

Cessna Aircraft Company delivered its first Citation CJ3 Wednesday. This marks the third new Citation model to enter service in 2004. Earlier this year Cessna certified and delivered the first Citation XLS and Citation Sovereign.

"The CJ3 is an excellent addition to the family of CitationJets and has been enthusiastically accepted in the market place," stated Cessna's President and CEO Jack Pelton. "We've received many positive comments from customers about the CJ3. This is in part because the final performance figures far surpassed what we originally listed as the preliminary performance figures."

The Citation CJ3, model 525B, received its FAA type certification on October 15, 2004. The aircraft features the most comfortable cabin in its class, new Williams International FJ44-3A engines, and advanced fully integrated Collins avionics system. The CJ3 is certified for single pilot operation and has a maximum cruise speed of 417 knots at 33,000 feet. With two pilots, full fuel, four passengers and baggage, the CJ3 offers over 1,800 NM of range with NBAA IFR reserves. Service ceiling is 45,000 feet and the maximum gross takeoff weight is 13,870 lbs.

The CJ3's delivery comes just two years after the program was announced at the 2002 NBAA Convention. Cessna has received over 130 non-refundable CJ3 orders worth over $800 million.

FMI: www.cessna.com