Cessna and Dassault have been forced to halt production of their CJ1+ and Falcon 2000/900DX business jets as a result of declining orders and dwindling customer demand for the light- and large-cabin aircraft.
Cessna has delivered around 100 CJ1+s since the Williams FJ44-1AP-powered aircraft - which sits between the entry-level Mustang and CJ2+ - was certificated in 2005.
The light-jet market was hammered by the economic downturn. The sector's traditional customer base - high-net-worth individuals such as fractional owners - declined rapidly following the financial crisis, forcing a glut of unwanted aircraft on to the used market, where prices hit an historical low.
 |
|---|
© CessnaCessna has delivered around 100 CJ1+s since the aircraft was certificated in 2005. |
Although CJ1+ production was slashed around two years ago to reflect the poor economic conditions, the market has remained fragile and Cessna has struggled to shift new aircraft. Three CJ1+s were delivered last year and only two of the types are expected to be handed over during 2011.
Cessna says the final CJ1+ - serial number 701- will roll off the Wichita production line during the third quarter. Delivery is set for September.
Meanwhile, Dassault says continued production of the "slow-selling" 900DX and 2000DX - which entered service in 2005 and 2008 - "was not justified for business reasons". Three 900DXs were delivered last year and no 2000DXs.
Source: Flight International
