SHANGHAI, China (April 13, 2015) – Cessna Aircraft Company, a subsidiary of Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, has secured orders from four companies in China for the Cessna Skyhawk 172, further demonstrating the aircraft’s continued leadership in pilot training
“The Cessna Skyhawk is the world’s most popular and technologically advanced flight training aircraft, and we are pleased to see operators in China recognizing its capabilities,” said Kevin Wu, vice president, International Sales, Greater China and Mongolia Region. “The opening of China’s low-altitude airspace has boosted the pilot training market, attracting an increasing number of general aviation companies into this area.”
A summary of recent order activity includes:
- Hubei Sky Blue International Aviation Academy, a Part 141 flight training provider that now also offers Private Pilot License (PPL), Commercial Pilot License (CPL) and Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) training, has placed an order for five Cessna Skyhawks. These aircraft will join a fleet of 18 Skyhawks currently in service with the company.
- Shanghai Avieye GA, a Part 91 general aviation operator, has ordered one standard configuration Cessna Skyhawk and one Skyhawk with amphibious floats to begin PPL and CPL training. The company also operates a Cessna Grand Caravan EX single-engine utility turboprop in its fleet, which supports aerial mapping missions.
- Zhejiang Avieast GA, an established general aviation company in the Zhejiang province, has ordered two Cessna Skyhawks for pilot training purposes as well as two Cessna Turbo Stationair T206H aircraft for tourism flights.
- Shandong Hairuo GA, a Part 91 general aviation operator, has confirmed an order for two Cessna Skyhawks to be used in Part 141 training.
With the increase in general aviation activity in China, Textron Aviation has continued to strengthen its presence in the region by bolstering its sales and support for customers. The company recently added Shandong Hairuo GA and Hubei Sky Blue International Aviation Academy as authorized sales representatives and an authorized customer service and support facilities for its single-engine aircraft.
About the Cessna Skyhawk
The Skyhawk is the world standard for pilot training and is renowned for offering the best combination of modern features, including the G1000 avionics system, and proven dependability. More Skyhawks have been delivered to customers around the world than any other type of aircraft, with more than 48,000 in service since 1955. Textron Aviation is a leader in manufacturing piston-engine aircraft spanning single- and twin-engine models, from trainer models to a luxury series.
About the Cessna Turbo Stationair
The Cessna Turbo Stationair is a versatile aircraft with excellent payload capacity designed to fit multiple missions. The Stationair boasts both cabin comfort and functionality with its Venture Premium Interior package, which offers five spacious cabin arrangements. Featuring the advanced Garmin 1000 avionics suite and GFC 700 autopilot, the Stationair is equipped with a 310 horsepower turbocharged engine allowing pilots to soar at maximum speeds of 164 ktas at altitudes of up to 27,000 feet.
About Textron Aviation Inc.
Textron Aviation Inc. 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. The Textron Aviation companies include 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 txtav.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.