Cessna’s early lead in the very light jet market has been strengthened with European Aviation Safety Agency certification for the Citation Mustang.
Deliveries are under way in the USA and chairman, president and chief executive Jack Pelton says the six-seat jet has met or exceeded expectations as it reaches a 2,130km (1,150nm) range and (41,000ft) 12,500m ceiling. "We’re looking forward to starting deliveries of the Mustang in Europe later this summer,” he says.
Pelton gave European owners an extra boost when he revealed that the aircraft has also been certified for steep approaches which will allow it access to London City airport.
At today’s press conference Cessna also outlined new after sales deals. Maintenance for Mustangs may now fall under Protech, a new programme that caps maintenance labour costs at regular monthly payments.
The Mustang is on display at EBACE for the first time. It made its European debut at Aero 2007 at Friedrichshaven last month. The VLJ joins Cessna's other current production jets on static display: a Citation CJ1+, Citation CJ2+, Citation CJ3, Citation Encore+, Citation XLS, Citation Sovereign and Citation X. Also on display are the Turbo Stationair (Model 206) and Grand Caravan with the new Oasis executive interior and a mock-up of the large-cabin concept business jet now under evaluation.
The Wichita, Kansas-based company is eager to continue its record production with growing European sales, which account for 26% of the total Encore+ orderbook. An increase in the gross weight resulted in a full-fuel payload of 530kg (1,170lb), 154kg more than the original Encore.
The production line-up could soon include the Citation XLS+ and the Citation CJ4 business jet. “Both aircraft programmes remain on target for schedule and cost, and both have amassed a sizable orderbook, ” says Pelton. The XLS+ is close to its first flight and could enter service in about a year. The CJ4 will include Rockwell Collins’ new digital cabin management system in the CJ4.
Source: Flight Daily News
