Cessna Reports Progress On New Aircraft
AV Web
1/15/2009

Despite the ongoing economic downturn, Cessna continues to move forward on
new product development, including the Model 162 SkyCatcher LSA, the
large-cabin Citation Columbus business jet, and the Citation CJ4, the
company said in a news release on Wednesday.

"Despite the uncertainty of the world's economic environment, we believe it
is critical that we not compromise our future," said Cessna CEO Jack
Pelton. "Our new product development programs are proceeding on schedule.
We remain committed to investing in these programs, whether it is in
aircraft development, facility construction or ensuring we have the people
resources to meet our schedule."

The SkyCatcher is nearing final ASTM compliance certification and
deliveries are planned to begin later this year, the company said. Flight
testing is focused on gathering data and making minor refinements to ensure
the aircraft complies with ASTM requirements and fulfills its intended role
in the training and sport flying market, Cessna said. An extensive ground
vibration test, though not an ASTM requirement, was conducted to ensure a
high standard of airframe integrity. Additional testing beyond the ASTM
requirements will include a full airframe fatigue test on a production
aircraft.

The company is investing $780 million in the Columbus program, which was
formally launched about a year ago. The airplane, which will be Cessna's
biggest ever, is on track to start deliveries in 2014. More than 850
workers are assigned to the project, and a massive new assembly facility is
under construction in Wichita. The Citation CJ4, the newest member of the
CJ series of light jets, is expected to be certified later this year and to
enter service early in 2010.