Cessna CEO Jack Pelton has confirmed what many suspected when the Cessna 162 Skycatcher – and its $109,000 price tag – were introduced earlier this year. In an interview with The Wichita Eagle, Cessna CEO Jack Pelton said that to make that price target “a major part of that content has to be built someplace else.” Cessna intends to announce where the little aluminum high-wing will be made at a news conference on Wednesday. The company has searched the world looking for the right manufacturer. Cessna spokesman Bob Stangarone told the Eagle the company has looked at companies in Argentina, Australia, China, the Czech Republic, India and Poland to build the aircraft, which is expected to fly in 2008 and begin deliveries in 2009. “We have looked literally everywhere in the world,” Pelton said. Cessna says it has firm orders for 850 Skycatchers. Just what, if any, market impact the outsourcing will have is anyones guess but it does cast Cirruss decision to adapt an already-flying European design into its Light Sport entrant in a different light. The SRS will be based on the Fk Lightplanes Polaris but will have Cirrus-style modifications, including a parachute, toe brakes and other refinements aimed at the U.S. market.
Cessna To Build Skycatcher Overseas
Key Takeaways:
- Cessna CEO Jack Pelton confirmed the 162 Skycatcher Light Sport aircraft will be largely manufactured overseas to meet its aggressive $109,000 price target.
- The company extensively searched globally for a manufacturer, considering countries including China, India, and Poland, with an announcement on the chosen location expected soon.
- Cessna has secured 850 firm orders for the Skycatcher, which is projected to fly in 2008 and begin deliveries in 2009.
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