Sales Of Citations Strong In The Sprawling Market

Cessna says it is encouraged by the stability of the general aviation market in the Asia-Pacific region. “This region has been one of the strongest for Cessna during the most recent downturn. It has been least affected by the economic climate and financing issues facing the rest of the world,” said Roger Whyte, Cessna’s senior vice president, Sales and Marketing. “The strongest segments for Cessna in this region have been special mission and government orders.”

The Citation Sovereign continues to be very popular in the Asia-Pacific region. The aircraft was recently selected by both the Japan Aerospace Corporation and the Civil Aviation Administration of China for special mission work.

The Citation Excel/XLS/XLS+ is also popular in the region. Last year, the China Flight Inspection Center of the Civil Aviation Administration of China used a Citation XLS to land and take off at Qamdo Bangda Airport (BPX/ZUBD) in Tibet, demonstrating the aircraft’s capability to operate at the world’s highest airport at 14,219 feet (4,334 meters).

Early this year, Cessna is set to deliver the first of five Citation Mustangs ordered by the Singapore Flying College in Australia to support its advanced training program.

Citation Mustang File Photo

Cessna also recently delivered five Grand Caravans to Susi Air in Indonesia as part of an order for 30 Grand Caravans to be delivered by 2011.

Cessna says there are currently more than 3,400 of their aircraft operating in the Asia-Pacific region.

FMI: www.cessna.com