Cessna receives EASA certification for Grand Caravan EX

cessnalogoGENEVA, Switzerland, May 20, 2014 – Cessna Aircraft Company, part of the Textron Aviation segment of Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT), announced today it has received European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) type certification for the Grand Caravan EX aircraft, paving the way for deliveries to begin immediately. The Grand Caravan EX is part of the Textron Aviation static display at the European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (EBACE) May 20-22 in Geneva, Switzerland.

“The versatility and reliability of the Caravan is why it continues to be one of the most popular aircraft around the world with more than 2,200 delivered. In Europe, Cessna has delivered approximately 160 Caravans for roles as varied as commuter airlines, tourism, cargo missions and personal recreation,” said Christi Tannahill, senior vice president, Turboprop Aircraft. “That popularity has continued to grow with the Grand Caravan EX due to its improved performance in high and hot conditions found at higher altitudes and in warmer climates around the world.”

Cessna delivered its 100th Grand Caravan EX in April 2014. The Grand Caravan EX is flying diverse missions around the world, including airline operations in Russia, travel companies in the Hawaiian and the Caribbean islands, construction and energy companies in the United States, aid organizations on wildlife rescue missions in Africa and aviation clubs in the Middle East.

Powered by the Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-140 engine, the Grand Caravan EX boasts a 38 percent improvement over the rate of climb of the Grand Caravan, a 350-foot reduction in takeoff roll and a 10-12 knot cruise speed improvement on average.

For more information about the Grand Caravan EX, please visit: Cessna.com

About Textron Aviation

The Textron Aviation segment is the leading general aviation authority and home to the iconic Beechcraft, Cessna and Hawker brands which account for more than half of all general aviation aircraft flying. Textron Aviation includes the businesses of Cessna Aircraft Company and Beechcraft Corporation, bringing together decades of unmatched experience in designing, building and supporting airplanes. It provides the most versatile and comprehensive general aviation product portfolio in the world through five principal lines of business: business jets, general aviation and special mission turboprop aircraft, high performance piston aircraft, military trainer and defense aircraft, and a complete global customer service organization. Its broad range of products include such best-selling aircraft as Citation and Hawker business jets, King Air and Caravan turboprops and T-6 military trainer aircraft, all of which are backed by the industry’s largest global service network. For more information, visit textronaviation.com

About Textron Inc.
Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna, Beechcraft, Hawker, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, and Textron Systems. For more information visit: www.textron.com