Cessna is set to boost production of the 172 Skyhawk by up to 36% over 2012 levels, in response to an unexpected surge of orders, says chief executive Scott Ernest.
The Wichita-based airframer capped 172 production at an undisclosed level this year, but rising interest from Russian and Chinese pilot training schools overwhelmed supply.
"It's interesting to me that we're already sold out for the year," Ernest says.
Cessna has not disclosed how many Skyhawks will be delivered this year, but the company reported shipping 140 in 2012.
"We have to decide whether we open the line for another 50 or so of the product at a certain price point," Ernest says. "We're actively looking at that. If the market will bear the price, then we'll probably do it."
Source: Flight Daily News
