Cessna Aircraft Company, a subsidiary of Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, announced today the first deliveries of the Citation XLS+ business jets from the company’s joint venture operations in Zhuhai. The joint venture (CESSNA-AVIC Aircraft (Zhuhai) Co., Ltd.) between Cessna and China Aviation Industry General Aircraft Company Ltd. (CAIGA) is delivering the first two Citation XLS+ aircraft to Guangzhou Zhongheng Group, Ltd. as part of the company’s activities during Airshow China, Nov.11 – 16 in Zhuhai. “Businesses around the world have continued to select the Citation XLS+ because of its unique blend of performance capabilities and operational efficiencies,” said Scott Ernest, president and CEO, Textron Aviation. “We are honored to celebrate Guangzhou Zhongheng Group as our Citation XLS+ launch customer in China and commend the company for evaluating the options in the market and choosing this aircraft as the productivity tool that will help grow their business throughout the region.” As a large enterprise covering various market segments including pharmaceuticals, hospitality, real estate, and food and beverage, Guangzhou Zhongheng Group selected the Citation XLS+ to provide greater access to locations where the company has facilities and customers. “Having the ability to quickly meet face-to-face with business partners and customers is key to our continued success and business growth,” said Madam Xu Shuqing, chairman and president, Guangzhou Zhongheng Group. “By selecting the Citation XLS+, we know we are not only making a wise investment choice for our growing company, but that we are also backed by the unmatched breadth of support and expertise within Textron Aviation.”
The Citation XLS+ is the world’s most sought-after business jet. Business owners consistently have chosen the Citation XLS+ more than any other aircraft in the light midsize category for its unparalleled combination of comfort, ease of operation, range of mission capabilities and favorable operating efficiencies. The aircraft provides customers access from Beijing to Hong Kong and Hong Kong to Shanghai, well within a one-day trip. Inside is the largest cabin in its class with nearly 19 feet (5.64 meters) of length, a dropped aisle that provides 68 inches (173 cm) of height the entire length of the cabin and seating for up to 12 passengers. It travels as fast as 441 knots (817 kilometers/hour) with a range of more than 2,000 nautical miles (3,700 kilometers) at long range cruise, departing from runways as short as 3,560 feet (1,085 meters). More than 6,600 Cessna Citations have been delivered to customers around the world since 1972. Citations are the largest fleet of business jets in the world and have surpassed 30 million flight hours.
