Tag: Cessna (Page 2 of 2)

Cessna Citation Longitude Begins Production Deliveries

October 6, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

WICHITA, Kansas–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, today announced the first deliveries of the company’s new flagship Cessna Citation Longitude super-midsize business jet, signaling the start of a new dimension in business travel. The Longitude received FAA type certification on September 21, 2019.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20191002005194/en/

“The newly certified Citation Longitude brings unrivaled technology to the business travel market, for both the passenger and the pilot, offering our customers the most efficient and productive super-midsize jet now in operation,” said Ron Draper, president and CEO. “We are thrilled to now transition this program into service.”

The Longitude features the longest maintenance intervals in its class – 800 hours or 18 months – and is the most cost-effective aircraft in its category.

“The Longitude was designed around maximizing reliability and operational availability for our customers,” said Kriya Shortt, senior vice president, Global Customer Support. “The Longitude’s industry-leading on-board diagnostics system is backed by Textron Aviation’s team of 3,000 customer service employees. Our expert technicians trained alongside the development of the program and are ready to support our customers wherever they are in the world.”

The clean-sheet design of the Longitude integrates the latest technology throughout the aircraft, including the next evolution of the Garmin G5000 flight deck. The comfortable, bespoke interior of the Longitude has class-leading legroom, cabin sound levels that are nearly twice as quiet as the nearest competitor, a low cabin altitude of 5,950 feet and more standard features than all other competitors in this segment.

About the Citation Longitude
With a range of 3,500 nautical miles (6,482 kilometers) and full fuel payload of 1,600 pounds (726 kilograms), the Citation Longitude is designed to elevate passenger expectations in the super-midsize class by delivering the quietest cabin, a low cabin altitude (5,950 feet/1,814 meters), more standard features and a comfortable, bespoke interior. With seating for up to 12 passengers, including an optional crew jump seat, the Longitude features a stand-up, 6-foot tall flat-floor cabin. A standard double-club configuration delivers the most legroom in the super-midsize class. Fully berthable seats are designed and manufactured in-house and a spacious walk-in baggage compartment is accessible throughout the entire flight. State-of-the-art cabin technology enables passengers to manage their environment and entertainment from any mobile device, while high-speed internet maximizes in-flight productivity.

The clean-sheet design of the Longitude integrates the latest technology throughout the aircraft, bringing customers the lowest ownership cost in its class. It features the next evolution of the Garmin G5000 flight deck and is powered by FADEC-equipped Honeywell HTF7700L turbofan engines with fully integrated autothrottles with envelope protection. The spacious cockpit incorporates easier access and an ergonomic design that fully focuses on crew comfort and efficiency.

No super-midsize business jet offers more range, greater payload or higher cruise speed at a lower expected total ownership cost.

Textron Reviewing Strategic Alternatives for Kautex

August 5, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

PROVIDENCE, R.I.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) today announced that it is reviewing strategic alternatives for its Kautex business unit, which produces fuel systems and other functional components. Textron plans to consider a range of options, including a sale, tax-free spin-off or other transaction. Kautex operates over 30 plants in 14 countries and generated over $2.3 billion in revenue in 2018.

Kautex, headquartered in Bonn, Germany, is a leading developer and manufacturer of blow-molded plastic fuel systems and advanced fuel systems for cars and light trucks, including pressurized fuel tanks for hybrid applications. The unit also develops and manufactures camera/sensor cleaning solutions for automobiles, selective catalytic reduction systems used to reduce emissions from diesel engines as well as produces cast iron engine camshafts, crankshafts and other engine components.

“Kautex is a leading Tier One supplier to global OEMs. It has a long history of product innovation, world-class operations and strong financial performance,” said Scott C. Donnelly, Textron Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “We are exploring strategic alternatives to see how we can position Kautex to best serve its customers for ongoing success while simultaneously unlocking potential value for our shareholders.”

No decision has been made and there can be no assurance that the process will result in any transaction being announced or completed in the future. The Company has not set a definitive timetable for completion of its review of strategic alternatives and does not intend to make any further announcements related to its review unless and until its Board of Directors has approved a specific transaction or the Company otherwise determines that further disclosure is appropriate.

Textron has retained Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC as financial advisor to assist in its review.

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, Cessna, Beechcraft, Hawker, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Arctic Cat, Textron Systems, and TRU Simulation + Training. For more information visit: www.textron.com

Cessna Citation Excel, XLS Receive Garmin G5000 Certification

July 1, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

WICHITA, Kan. (July 1, 2019) – Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, today announced that the Garmin International G5000 integrated flight deck is now available for the Cessna Citation Excel and Citation XLS. The G5000 modernizes the cockpit, solves parts obsolescence and addresses mandate requirements, while also offering a lower cost of operation.

“The Citation Excel and Citation XLS continue to be two of the most popular business jets in the world,” said Kriya Shortt, Textron Aviation senior vice president, Global Customer Support. “The G5000 will modernize the cockpit to offer customers additional situational awareness, lower cost of operation and an improved in-flight experience in the aircraft they already know and love.”

The G5000 integrated flight deck for the Citation Excel and Citation XLS features three landscape-oriented displays with split-screen capability, intuitive touchscreen controllers, and geo-referenced Garmin SafeTaxi airport diagrams. New to the Citation Excel, emergency descent mode is available as a standard feature with the G5000 and is enabled by the autopilot in the event of a loss in aircraft pressurization. Additionally, operators gain access to more airports and lower approach minimums throughout the world as the G5000 has PBN/RNP 0.3 with LPV/APV approach capability.

The G5000 integrated flight deck upgrade is available immediately for Citation Excel and Citation XLS aircraft at Textron Aviation Service Centers and select Garmin dealers.

Textron Celebrates Delivery of 300th Cessna Citation CJ4

June 28, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

WICHITA, KS (June 27, 2019) – Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, celebrated its leadership of the light jet segment with the delivery of the 300th Cessna Citation CJ4, the industry’s top performing aircraft in this segment. The milestone aircraft was delivered today to McNeilus Steel, based in Dodge Center, Minnesota.

“The Citation CJ4 continues to be a standout in the light jet segment due to its combination of high performance, low operating costs and class-leading cabin amenities,” said Rob Scholl, Textron Aviation senior vice president, Sales and Marketing. “Our light jet product range, led by the Citation CJ4, continues to pace this segment globally in terms of deliveries, primarily because customers appreciate what they get in terms of productivity and value.”

Founded in 1948, McNeilus Steel is a family owned metals distribution business and employs more than 450 people across locations in Dodge Center, Minnesota, Fargo, North Dakota, and Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. McNeilus is upgrading to full ownership of a CJ4, having been a fractional owner of a Cessna Citation CJ1+ since 2016.

“Our reputation is built on customer service and our Citation CJ4 will help us strengthen that reputation through even more personal interaction with our customers,” said Levi McNeilus, director of Purchasing at McNeilus.

Introduced in 2010, the Citation CJ4 is the largest of the Cessna light jet family of aircraft that includes the Citation CJ3+ and the Citation M2. The CJ4 allows customers to go further with the leading range-to-payload ratio and a best-in-class IFR range of 1,926 nautical miles (3,567 km) with a maximum cruise speed of 451 knots (true airspeed).

The CJ4 is certified for single pilot operation, has seating for nine passengers and includes a notable 1,040-pound baggage capability. Other features include single point refueling, an externally serviceable lavatory and excellent range, delivering what crew and cabin passengers appreciate.

Leading the light jet segment

Cessna Citations continue to lead this segment, with over 5,000 light jets delivered throughout the world, offering customers the broadest range of products on the market. From the popular entry level Cessna Citation M2, to the upgraded efficiency and comfort of the CJ3+ and the leading CJ4, Textron Aviation’s Citation family of light business jets has evolved to offer a range of capabilities, systems and options unmatched in its class.

Textron to Showcase Diverse Product Lineup at Paris Air Show

May 31, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

PROVIDENCE, R.I.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Bell, Textron Aviation Inc., Textron Aviation Defense LLC, Textron Systems, TRU Simulation + Training and Textron Airborne Solutions, all businesses of Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT), have announced their plans for the Paris Air Show—the largest aerospace event in the world—which will be held June 17-23 at the Exhibition Center of Le Bourget. Textron will be displaying in Textron Pavilion A2.

“Our exhibit demonstrates a deep and diverse lineup of commercial and military aircraft, unmanned systems and simulation and training solutions,” says Textron’s Chairman and CEO Scott Donnelly. “We’re excited to show Paris Air Show attendees how focused we’ve been on delivering new levels of innovation and performance.”

Bell

Since the company’s beginning in 1935, Bell has set the pace for the helicopter industry, expanding the scope of vertical lift. Bell was the first to obtain commercial certification for a helicopter nearly 60 years ago – and since then, has delivered thousands of innovative aircraft to customers around the world. When it comes to developing the world’s first air taxi or producing life-saving commercial and military aircraft, Bell has the innovative minds and the relentless drive to revolutionize search and rescue operations, business travel and vertical takeoff and lift. And we are just getting started.

Discover these next-generation aircraft on static display during Paris Air Show this year:

The Bell 505 Jet Ranger X light single engine helicopter is the ideal military trainer aircraft and offers incredible value unlike any other helicopter in its class. With more than 150 delivered around the world, it is designed to be easier and safer to fly thanks to its superior standard equipment and state-of-the-art Garmin 1000H TM glass cockpit.

With over 330,000 hours on the global fleet, the Bell 429 is designed with the future in mind, enhancing occupant safety, with the adaptability to remain at the forefront as mission requirements evolve. The Bell 429 has been chosen by police forces, air medical teams and militaries around the world for time-sensitive missions.

The Bell 525 Relentless full-scale mock-up outfitted with Mecaer Aviation’s luxurious MAGnificent interior will be on static display this year. The aircraft offers customers a general leap forward, bringing new technological advances designed to benefit operators and increase safety standards of the industry. The 525 is expected to be the first commercial aircraft certified with Fly-By-Wire technology which greatly increases safety through reduced pilot workload and enhanced situational awareness.

Textron Aviation

Textron Aviation and Textron Aviation Defense—a subsidiary of Textron Aviation Inc.—will be showcasing their defense and special mission capabilities at the Paris Air Show, featuring static displays of the highly advanced Beechcraft AT-6 Wolverine, a flight inspection-configured Cessna Citation Latitude, an ISR-configured Beechcraft King Air 350i and a Cessna Grand Caravan EX equipped with an array of radars and sensors.

The Beechcraft AT-6 Wolverine is the world’s most cost-effective turboprop approach to light attack and armed reconnaissance, equipping the warfighter with the greatest level of mission configurability, the most advanced ISR technology, an optimized battlespace networking capability and the unwavering mission support of a global service network. The AT-6 Wolverine meets the full spectrum of U.S. Air Force Light Attack Aircraft (LAA) Integrated Weapon System (IWS) requirements.

Textron Aviation has engineered and designed innovative interior and avionics options that optimize the Latitude for installations of Flight Inspection systems and has enabled a more cost-effective and rapid installation for its customers. The Latitude’s flight inspection systems have been outfitted with the latest technology in en-route and terminal navigation aids while the aircraft features an extended range of border-to-border flight calibration, the payload capacity for extensive onboard test equipment and a dual flight inspection and executive transportation configuration.

The Beechcraft King Air 350i surpasses its predecessor’s high-caliber performance with more payload capability and range and delivers a quieter interior with standard Wi-Fi and Pro Line Fusion™ avionics with full touch-screen simplicity. The King Air is the world’s most popular business turboprop aircraft—a title sustained over five decades of continuous enhancement.

The freedom to configure the Cessna Grand Caravan EX to meet changing demands empowers operators to meet diverse surveillance mission requirements. External mounting provisions enable use of advanced electro optical/infrared (EO/IR) systems that transmit imaging to cabin mission computers and available cockpit repeaters. Intelligence is shared in real time via tactical radio and satellite downlink.

Cessna SkyCourier Advances Through Development

May 21, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

GENEVA (May 20, 2019) – Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, today announced new milestones in its Cessna SkyCourier twin utility turboprop development program, with assembly underway for the prototype aircraft and the additional five flight and ground test articles. Component testing also continues for the new propeller, nose landing gear and fuel system.

“When we began designing and developing the Cessna SkyCourier, we engaged a number of mission-centric customers for technical input to best meet their unique needs in one platform,” said Chris Hearne, senior vice president, Engineering. “We are building this aircraft with the flexibility and reliability needed for a variety of high-utilization operations including cargo, passenger or special missions and we are excited that the customers and the market are responding positively to its capabilities.”

Endurance and functional testing for the new McCauley 110-inch propeller consists of nearly 150 hours of operation and includes a variety of simulated flight profiles. The propeller is mated with the proven PWC PT6A-65B, 1100-shp engine, mounted on a test stand. Simultaneously, assembly of the fuel system test article and nose landing gear drop test article is underway, with testing to start later this month.

The Cessna SkyCourier is the latest clean-sheet design from Textron Aviation and will be offered in various configurations including cargo, passenger or a combination of both, all based on a common platform to meet the needs of a wide range of customers. The cargo configuration is designed to accommodate three standard air cargo containers (LD3) with a payload of up to 6,000 pounds while the passenger version carries up to 19 passengers.

FedEx Express, the world’s largest express transportation company and longtime Textron Aviation customer, signed on as the launch customer in late 2017 for up to 100 aircraft, with an initial fleet order of 50 cargo aircraft and options for 50 more.

Textron Profit Beats on Higher Aircraft Sales

April 17, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

FILE PHOTO: Cessna employee works on an engine of a Cessna business jet at the assembly line in their manufacturing plant in Wichita, Kansas March 12, 2013. REUTERS/Jeff Tuttle

(Reuters) – Cessna business jet maker Textron Inc reported a higher-than-expected quarterly profit on Wednesday, benefiting from robust aircraft deliveries, sending its share up 1.6 percent in early trading.

Business jet demand has been growing steadily in the United States, the world’s biggest market, on the back of an expanding economy and rising corporate profits.

Textron said it delivered 44 jets in the first quarter ended March 30, up from 36 last year. Commercial turboprop deliveries rose to 44 aircraft from 29 last year.

“We think this quarter has pretty much ticked all the boxes for Textron. Aviation growth has continued, with a positive book to bill in the quarter,” Vertical Research Partners analyst Robert Stallard said.

Textron has faced delays in final certification of its newest super mid-size Longitude jet, which is expected to contribute a ‘big chunk’ to the company’s revenue growth in 2019.

Analysts have warned that the certification delays from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration due to partial government shutdown followed by the regulator’s intense focus on re-certifying Boeing Co’s 737 MAX aircraft might impact sales growth at the company in the short.

Though the aviation business was among the drivers for a profit beat, Textron’s revenue missed Wall Street estimates, hurt by lower sales in its systems unit, which makes tactical armored patrol vehicles.

Textron re-affirmed its full-year profit outlook range of $3.55 to $3.75 per share.

Sales in the company’s aviation business, its biggest, rose 12.3 percent to $1.13 billion in the first quarter, while sales in the systems unit fell more than 20 percent to $307 million.

The company’s net income fell to $179 million in the quarter ended March 30 from $189 million a year earlier.

Textron earned 76 cents per share, above analysts’ average estimate of 68 cents, according to Refinitiv data.

Textron’s revenue fell 5.7 percent to $3.11 billion, below analysts’ estimates of $3.17 billion.

(Reporting by Divya R and Ankit Ajmera in Bengaluru; Editing by Maju Samuel)

Honeywell Profit Beats On Strong Aero & Automation Sales

October 19, 2018 / WIL BALDWIN

(Reuters) – Honeywell International Inc (HON.N) beat expectations for third-quarter profit on Friday and lifted its full-year forecasts for cash flow and margins as it rode a boom in e-commerce driven warehouse investment and aircraft production.

Shares of Honeywell, which makes everything from aircraft engines to catalysts used in petroleum refining, were up 2.5 percent at $159 in premarket trading.

Honeywell has benefited from a rise in global travel that has driven record orders for jets, leading to robust demand for its avionics, braking systems and other aircraft parts.

Recovering demand for business jets, for which the company makes engines, thanks to a tax windfall handed to Corporate America by President Donald Trump in January, has also helped the company.

Sales at the aviation unit, the company’s biggest business, rose 10 percent to $4.03 billion. Margins expanded by 80 basis points to 22.1 percent in the third quarter ended Sept. 30.

Honeywell’s results come a day after Cessna jet maker Textron (TXT.N), one of its customers, reported a 12.5 percent growth in its backlog at $1.8 billion, citing an improving business jet market.

The company has also taken advantage of a boom in e-commerce as it supplies warehouse automation equipment and software to customers such as Amazon.com Inc (AMZN.O).

Sales in safety and productivity solutions unit, which houses the warehouse automation business, climbed 11 percent to $1.58 billion, while margins jumped 150 basis points to 16.6 percent.

Excluding items, Honeywell earned $2.03 per share, beating analysts’ average estimate of $1.99 per share, according to Refinitiv data.

The company’s revenue rose 6.3 percent to $10.76 billion, topping the consensus of $10.75 billion.

Honeywell increased the low end of its 2018 adjusted free cash flow to $5.8 billion from $5.6 billion, while keeping the top end unchanged at $6.2 billion.

The company now expects full-year margins to rise 19.5-19-6 percent, up from 19.4-19.6 percent. Excluding the impact of divestitures, Honeywell said its full-year earnings will be in a range of $7.95 to $8.00 per share.

(Reporting by Ankit Ajmera in Bengaluru; Editing by Saumyadeb Chakrabarty)

The Cessna Citation Longitude

February 6, 2018 / WIL BALDWIN

Textron announced last Wednesday that its newest business jet, the Cessna Citation Longitude, is nearing the completion of its flight test program. The company expects to obtain certification from the FAA before the end of the first quarter this year. Once the aircraft receives its certification, the company will be able to start customer deliveries of the new super-midsize jet.

The airplane is being built at Textron Aviation’s in Wichita, Kansas. The Longitude model follows on the success of the Cessna Citation Latitude, which accounted for 54 of the 180 business jets the company delivered in 2017. The Longitude was originally concieved as a $25.9 million, 12-passenger aircraft in 2012. The design was based around a pair of Safran engines that would delivered a 4,000-nautical-mile range at Mach 0.82. However, Cessna decided to change the design to better suit the super-midsize market. The revamped Longitude uses Honeywell HTF 7000-series engines with a 3,500 nautical mile range, and a lower $23.9 million price tag.

This larger airplane uses the same cabin cross section as the Latitude at six feet tall and more than six feet wide, the narrowest in its class. The cabin length comes in at 25 feet, and is available in a variety of seating configurations from the standard 8, to as many as 12 passengers. The standard configuration includes a double club-four arrangement of eight single executive seats, plus a side-facing single kibitzer in the front of the aircraft that’s suitable for a flight attendant. It’s also equipped with a full forward galley, aft vacuum flush lavatory, and a 112-cubic-foot baggage compartment accessible in flight.

Cessna has also announced that it’s looking at developing an even larger model than the Longitude. The Citation Hemisphere is a planned 4,500-nautical-mile, $35 million aircraft that will be aimed at the low end of the large cabin market. Safran has now resolved the technical issues that it had with the Silvercrest engine, so it is now looking like that will be the powerplant that the Hemisphere will be based around.

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