Says Dealers Bought Out Remaining 2008 Production

We bought 'em... now, you sell 'em. This month, Cessna formally introduced the new Cessna (nee Columbia) 350 and 400 aircraft to its Cessna Sales Team Authorized Representatives (CSTAR) at a conference in Bend, OR, where the aircraft are produced.

The conference included briefings from Cessna executives, Cessna Finance Corporation, Cessna Aircraft engineers and sales representatives from the Bend Municipal Airport facility and the Cessna Advanced Aircraft Club. A tour of the production facility was also provided to the CSTARs.

Since Cessna acquired the assets of the Bend plant in December 2007, the production facility has received a full facelift including new signage, new lighting and a new customer center. The transition plan, which includes implementation of Textron Six Sigma, has reached 40 percent completion, according to Cessna.

The planemaker expects to deliver 150 350/400 aircraft this year -- Columbia delivered 152 planes in 2007, and Cessna shipped two following the December acquisition, according to GAMA -- and plans to increase production rates in 2009.

Cessna says the new, composite-bodied, low-wing aircraft complement its current, homegrown product line, filling the niche between the Cessna 206 Stationair and the Citation Mustang. Like all current Cessna single-engine products and the Mustang, the 350 and 400 are equipped with the integrated Garmin G1000 avionics system.

"Jet-like" features of the 350/400 include speed brakes, bleed air heat and many fully redundant systems including dual alternators, dual primary electric power busses and dual batteries. The aircraft also incorporate a G1000 flight management data-entry pad similar to the Citation Mustang. Other unique features include 2 and 3 axis trim, side-stick controls, digital climate control, and remote keyless entry with step lights.

Cessna reports its CSTARs promptly placed orders for the remaining 2008 production, in anticipation of strong demand from their customers.

FMI: www.cessna.com