Cessna is at EBACE looking to promote a positive, yet realistic, outlook for Europe's business aviation industry in which it says it is investing new products and an improved customer service network in readiness for a return to growth.

Speaking at the show this morning, Kriya Shortt, senior vice-president of sales, said: "While the eurozone as a whole remains in recession, there are bright spots that give grounds for optimism. Many economists expect Germany, a major business aviation market, to benefit from rising exports and domestic consumption in coming months.

"The UK, long an important market, is enjoying a brighter outlook for growth and inflation, according to the Bank of England. Considering these factors, and that past recoveries in our industry have often accelerated quickly, Cessna believes it is right to invest now to maintain our leadership position."

She adds that Cessna is well prepared for the future, "with a long line of new product developments all running to schedule".

"The first production flight for the new Citation Sovereign took place in April," she says. "The midsize aircraft is due for delivery in the third quarter following US certification, and we expect European certification by the first quarter of 2014."

The new high-speed Citation X is also on track for service entry this year, while development of the Latitude and Longitude is also progressing well, adds Shortt.

First flight of the midsize Latitude is scheduled for the first quarter of 2014, leading to service entry the following year. Cessna has targeted mid-2016 for the first flight of its super-midsize Longitude, which was unveiled a year ago. The 10-seat aircraft is projected for service entry in the latter half of 2017.

Cessna is also beefing up its customer service teams throughout Europe, where it already boasts six services: Valencia, Doncaster in the UK, Paris, Prague, Düsseldorf and Zurich.

Check out the latest news and views from this year's EBACE show, including:

Finally, our first new-look iFlights will contain exclusive footage from EBACE 2013. Find out more from 21 May

 

Source: Flight Daily News

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