Australia's Royal Flying Doctor Service gets a new flight simulator at its base in Bundaberg

TRU Simulation + Training Inc. announced Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has awarded Level D certification of a Full-Flight Simulator (FFS) to the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS Queensland Section). The FFS is reconfigurable to support training for the entire fleet of RFDS Queensland Section Beechcraft King Air model B200 and B300 aircraft. The simulator is the first of its kind in Australia and is housed in a new, purpose-built training facility next to the RFDS base in Bundaberg.

TRU Simulation, an affiliate of Textron Aviation Inc., the manufacturer of Beechcraft King Air aircraft, designs, manufactures and delivers high-fidelity training devices and full-motion simulators for civil and defence customers.

“The Royal Flying Doctor Service is a highly respected organization in Australia that requires their pilots to be prepared to execute a variety of life-saving services. At TRU, we are committed to ensuring pilots have a world-class training device so they are ready for any challenge they may encounter,” said Jerry Messaris, vice president and general manager, TRU Simulation. “We are honoured RFDS selected a TRU simulator for their crucial operations.”

The RFDS Queensland Section has a large Beechcraft King Air fleet, which is utilized to deliver aeromedical retrievals and provide healthcare services to regional, rural and remote Queenslanders. The new simulator will deliver world-class training for the pilots and crew to aid in the mission of providing the finest care to the furthest corners of Queensland.

The King Air Full-Flight Simulator, equipped with Collins Aerospace’s Pro Line Fusion avionics, incorporates TRU’s REALFeel control loading system, which produces a highly realistic flight experience. The full-flight motion of the simulator integrates TRU's REALCue system, featuring an electric motion base with 60-inch-stroke actuators. To create an immersive training environment, the visual system is equipped with high-definition projectors on a 200x40-degree display. All four King Air variants available to the FFS utilize TRU-designed and developed aircraft systems and aerodynamics software packages.

TRU Simulation delivers Full-Flight Simulator to Royal Flying Doctor Service

TRU Simulation + Training Inc., announced Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has awarded Level D certification of a Full-Flight Simulator (FFS) to the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS Queensland Section). The FFS is reconfigurable to support training for the entire fleet of RFDS Queensland Section Beechcraft King Air model B200 and B300 aircraft. The simulator is the first of its kind in Australia and is housed in a new, purpose-built training facility next to the RFDS base in Bundaberg.

TRU Simulation, an affiliate of Textron Aviation Inc., the manufacturer of Beechcraft King Air aircraft, designs, manufactures and delivers high-fidelity training devices and full-motion simulators for civil and defence customers.

“The Royal Flying Doctor Service is a highly respected organization in Australia that requires their pilots to be prepared to execute a variety of life-saving services. At TRU, we are committed to ensuring pilots have a world-class training device so they are ready for any challenge they may encounter,” said Jerry Messaris, vice president and general manager, TRU Simulation. “We are honoured RFDS selected a TRU simulator for their crucial operations.”

Textron Aviation adds Gogo Galileo HDX on Cessna Citation Longitude, Latitude and Ascend

This week Textron Aviation confirmed its selection of Gogo Business Aviation's global Low-Earth-Orbit (LEO) solution, Gogo Galileo HDX, for factory installation on the Cessna Citation Longitude, Latitude and Ascend. This makes Textron Aviation the first business aviation Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) to offer Gogo Galileo HDX as an option on new customer aircraft.

By integrating Gogo Galileo HDX, Textron Aviation ensures customers benefit from a global connectivity solution that delivers exceptional performance. The system is built on Gogo’s proven AVANCE platform and features a fuselage-mounted HDX antenna, designed specifically for business jets. This configuration makes Gogo Galileo more affordable and easier to install and operate than other satellite systems currently available.

“At Textron Aviation, we are committed to enhancing the flight experience for our customers,” said Lannie O’Bannion, senior vice president, Global Sales & Flight Operations for Textron Aviation. “By offering Gogo Galileo HDX, we ensure that passengers on these Citation business jets enjoy a seamless and superior inflight Wi-Fi experience, no matter where their journey takes them.”

Gogo Galileo HDX is expected to be available on the Citation Longitude beginning early 2026. Timing on the other aircraft will be

 

Cessna Citation Ascend continues to progress through certification program, will deliver with latest update of Garmin G5000 avionics suite

Textron Aviation announced the Cessna Citation Ascend continues to progress through its certification program and will be equipped with the latest enhancements to the Garmin G5000 avionics suite. This flight deck will provide pilots with significant technological advances when it enters into service, expected to be in 2025.

The Ascend program includes two test articles – Prototype (Proto) and P1 – which have accumulated nearly 600 flight hours through more than 200 flights.

"Citation business jets are renowned for their superior performance and productivity,” said Lannie O'Bannion, senior vice president of Global Sales & Flight Operations. “Including the Garmin G5000 in the Citation Ascend demonstrates our continued commitment to designing and delivering the best aviation experience for our customers. We can’t wait to see this aircraft deliver to customers.”

The Ascend is designed to bring a new cockpit, improved performance and a luxurious cabin to the midsize business jet market. The aircraft's state-of-the-art avionics, autothrottles, high payload capacity and impressive range offer customers reduced pilot workload and the ability to do more and go farther.

When equipped with the latest Garmin G5000 avionics suite, the Ascend will feature an array of new advanced features and technology from Garmin, including Synthetic Vision Guidance System (SVGS) shown on the primary flight displays, that couples with Synthetic Vision Technology (SVT) to support approach minima as low as 150 ft (46 m). SVGS provides a continuous, geo-spatially correct depiction of the external scene topography, including obstacles, augmented by the display of the runway.

Expanded SVT Capabilities for Improved Taxiway Routing

The next generation of Cessna Citation Business Jets unveiled.

Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3, CJ3 Gen3 and M2 Gen3

Textron Aviation is showing off the future of flight it believes with the next generation of its legendary Cessna Citation lineup.  The new Cessna Citation M2 Gen3, CJ3 Gen3 and CJ4 Gen3 feature the revolutionary Garmin Emergency Autoland technology. The Citation CJ4 Gen3 features new, next-generation Garmin G3000 PRIME avionics for intuitive, seamless control for pilots. Currently under development, the CJ4 Gen3 is expected to enter into service in 2026, with the M2 Gen3 and CJ3 Gen3 following in 2027.

Unveiled ahead of The National Business Aviation Association — Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) in Las Vegas, the Citation Gen3 aircraft brings new levels of confidence and an elevated experience to pilots worldwide. Attendees will enjoy access to a new Citation CJ3 Gen3 mockup and CJ4 Gen3 cockpit mockup debuting during the show at the company’s static display at Henderson Executive Airport.

“Today we unveiled the future of flight and the next generation of Cessna Citation light jets — the M2 Gen3, CJ3 Gen3 and CJ4 Gen3 — to carry on the iconic legacy of the trusted Citation brand while introducing cutting-edge advancements and technology,” said Ron Draper, president and CEO. “With the inclusion of revolutionary Garmin Emergency Autoland technology, as well as all-new Garmin G3000 PRIME avionics in the CJ4 Gen3, these aircraft promise to elevate the flying experience.”

Offering pilots and passengers unparalleled peace of mind

With the addition of Garmin Emergency Autoland to the M2 Gen3, CJ3 Gen3 and CJ4 Gen3, the entire Cessna Citation light jet lineup brings even greater peace of mind to the journey, for both pilots and passengers. All three new aircraft include fully integrated Garmin Autothrottles to provide exceptional levels of protection and effortless precision at every stage of flight. In addition, Runway Occupancy Awareness gives enhanced visibility of runway obstacles and potential runway incursions, and Advanced 3D SafeTaxi displays runways, FBOs and hangars to more easily navigate airports.

“Adding the Garmin Emergency Autoland system to our entire Citation light jet family lineup represents a monumental leap in aviation technology,” Draper said. “As the world's first certified system of its kind, Autoland offers not just an advancement in automated flight capabilities but a profound enhancement in passenger and pilot peace of mind. The system stands as a guardian against loss of control following pilot incapacitation, offering automated emergency communications and landing when needed and providing unparalleled peace of mind to pilots and passengers.”

After certification of the Gen3 aircraft, customers who own a Citation M2 Gen2 with autothrottles or CJ3 Gen2 aircraft will receive a service bulletin about the opportunity to incorporate Garmin Emergency Autoland into their aircraft.

New Garmin G5000 avionics upgrade now available for Cessna Citation XLS Aircraft

Textron Aviation announced customers can now upgrade their Cessna Citation XLS+ and Citation XLS Gen2 aircraft with the Garmin G5000 integrated flight deck following Garmin’s receipt of FAA supplemental type certification (STC) for the avionics upgrade. Customers can have the upgrade installed at selected domestic Textron Aviation Service Centers to add significant technological advances and new capabilities to their aircraft.

“The G5000 avionics upgrade for the Cessna Citation XLS series modernizes the cockpit and addresses the evolution of FAA airspace, while also offering a lower cost of operation,” said Brian Rohloff, senior vice president of Customer Support. “We are continuously investing in new enhancements for our customers and their aircraft and expanding the G5000 avionics system to Citation XLS+ and XLS Gen2 operators supports our mission to deliver the best aviation experience for our customers.”

The G5000 integrated avionics suite features three landscape-oriented flight displays with split-screen capability, allowing pilots to simultaneously view maps, charts, checklists, Terrain Awareness Warning System (TAWS), Traffic alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS), flight plan information, weather and more, increasing situational awareness for the flight crew. It also includes options for Synthetic Vision Technology (SVT) and fully automatic advanced weather radar and automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) Out compliance and allows for future growth and expansion through software updates.

TRU Simulation delivers Beechcraft T-6C Operational Flight Trainer to Tunisian Air Force

TRU Simulation + Training Inc. recently announced delivery of the Beechcraft T-6C Texan II Operational Flight Trainer (OFT) to the Tunisian Air Force. Additional items delivered with the OFT include a Computer Based Training (CBT) Lab with eight workstations, two Avionics Desktop Trainings (ADTs) and field services. The OFT will be the first device of its kind within the region and will support flight training needs at the Sfax Air Base in Sfax, Tunisia.

TRU Simulation, an affiliate of Textron Aviation Defense LLC, the manufacturer of the Beechcraft T-6C, designs, manufactures and delivers high-fidelity training devices and full-motion simulators for civil and defence customers.

“As the first TRU-built Beechcraft T-6C OFT in the region, this marks a significant milestone in TRU Simulation’s commitment to advancing aviation training technology globally. The dedication and expertise of our team have been crucial in achieving this milestone, and I am immensely proud of their hard work and commitment to excellence,” said Jerry Messaris, vice president and general manager, of TRU Simulation. “It is a privilege to commemorate the integration of the device into the Tunisian Air Force.”

Cessna SkyCourier gains type certification in the Philippines

Textron Aviation confirmed this week that its Cessna SkyCourier twin utility turboprop has been awarded type certification by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).  This will greatly expand the aircraft’s ability to support operational activities in remote areas of southeast Asia. The first SkyCourier in the region – A 19-seat passenger variant – is planned to be delivered in the second half of 2025 to Leading Edge Air Services Corporation (LEASCOR), a wholly owned subsidiary of ACDI Multipurpose Cooperative in the Philippines.

“Demand for the SkyCourier continues to grow throughout the APAC region due to the aircraft’s outstanding performance and reliability,” said Lannie O’Bannion, senior vice president, Global Sales and Flight Operations for Textron Aviation. “The SkyCourier features maximum cabin flexibility with low operating costs and has quickly proven to be an excellent business tool for customers and their missions. We’re excited to celebrate this great milestone for the program.”

With the ability to be operated by a single pilot, and also equipped with a generous payload capacity, the SkyCourier is an ideal solution for air freight, passenger and special mission needs. The aircraft is highly adaptable and can easily adjust configurations to effectively complete virtually any mission, supporting a significant return on investment. The aircraft also has capabilities to support a wide range of operational activities in remote areas.

400th Cessna Citation Latitude joins Simmons Foods' fleet

Textron Aviation announced that it has delivered the 400th Cessna Citation Latitude business jet to longtime Citation customer Simmons Foods, a family-owned and operated company since 1949, of Siloam Springs, Arkansas. Simmons Foods will utilize the new aircraft to enhance the efficiency of its company’s business travel, complementing its existing fleet of three Citation jets that are integral to managing operations across multiple locations.

“The delivery of the 400th Citation Latitude is a testament to the aircraft's superior design and a proud moment for our team,” said Lannie O’Bannion, senior vice president, Global Sales and Flight Operations for Textron Aviation. “This milestone not only reinforces the Latitude's status as the leader in the midsize jet segment, but also underscores our commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, setting new standards for comfort, efficiency and performance in the aviation industry.”

Certified in 2015, the Citation Latitude has been the world’s most-delivered midsize business jet for eight consecutive years and is a favorite with customers due to its reliability, versatility and impressive 2,700-nautical mile range.

With a flat floor cabin and ample space for nine passengers, the aircraft can fly nonstop between destinations such as New York and Los Angeles or Vancouver and Guatemala City. The Citation Latitude stands as the preferred choice among customers for a wide range of operations, including corporations, charter, personal travel, air ambulance, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), utility transport, aerial survey, flight inspection, training and numerous other specialized missions.

TRU Simulation delivers Cessna Citation Longitude full-flight simulator to FlightSafety International

This week, TRU Simulation confirmed the Federal Aviation Administration Level D certification and delivery of a Cessna Citation Longitude Full Flight Simulator (FFS) for FlightSafety International’s Columbus, Ohio Learning Center. The new simulator will support FlightSafety in providing quality training services for Textron Aviation’s flagship super-midsize Cessna Citation jet.

TRU Simulation + Training Inc., an affiliate of Textron Aviation Inc., is a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company that designs, manufactures and delivers high-fidelity training devices and full-motion flight simulators for civil and defense customers.

“At TRU, the team is committed to delivering cutting-edge training tools that enable pilots to achieve their goals,” said Jerry Messaris, vice president and general manager, TRU Simulation. “Supplying high-fidelity simulators to FlightSafety aids in expanding access to excellent aviation training for pilots across the globe, and our state-of-the-art technology ensures safe and realistic training experiences.”

FlightSafety International and TRU Simulation formed a joint venture in 2019 to better support customers’ global training needs. This will be the second Cessna Citation Longitude Full Flight Simulator delivered to the Columbus, Ohio Training Center and the third built as part of the joint venture of TRU Simulation and FlightSafety International.

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TRU Simulation + Training Inc., an affiliate of Textron Aviation Inc., is a leading provider of high-fidelity training devices and full-motion simulators for the aviation industry. With a strong commitment to excellence and innovation, TRU Simulation has been at the forefront of flight simulation technology for over a decade.

Textron Aviation expands services including Cessna Citation 560XL series landing gear repair process

Textron Aviation has announced the expansion of its service offerings to include a new standard repair process for Cessna Citation 560XL series aircraft main landing gear (MLG). The new solution, developed in collaboration with the company’s affiliate, Able Aerospace Services, allows for significant MLG repairs without a full replacement – providing an additional timely and cost-effective part option for customers.

Beechcraft, Cessna and Hawker customers receive factory-direct support, maintenance and modifications by Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. company, through its global network of service and parts centres, mobile service units and 24/7 1CALL AOG (aircraft-on-ground) support.

“Our priority is delivering the best aviation experience for our customers, and having the option to repair main landing gear gives customers additional flexibility when servicing their aircraft,” said Brian Rohloff, senior vice president, of Customer Support. “This investment in a new solution for Citation 560XL aircraft supports reducing operating costs and minimizing aircraft downtime so that we can keep our customers moving.”

Textron Aviation initially announced MLG repair capabilities on the Cessna Citation CJ series aircraft in 2020. In addition to offering greater efficiency for customers, the new service supports Textron Aviation’s efforts to reduce and reuse by allowing customers to repair parts and utilize exchanges and rentals. The company continuously seeks to enhance the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of maintenance services across the entire Beechcraft and Cessna fleet.

Textron Aviation, through its Beechcraft and Cessna brands, is renowned for its unrivalled global service network dedicated to complete life-cycle support. In addition to its expansive company-owned footprint, Textron Aviation’s jet and turboprop customers have access to a global network of more than 300 authorized service facilities. Textron Aviation also offers a mobile support program featuring more than 40 mobile service units, three dedicated support aircraft, and on-site service technicians and support. 

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Textron Aviation and Gama Aviation (UK) sign deal for 3 Beechcraft King Air 360C for air ambulance service in Scotland

Textron Aviation confirmed an agreement with Gama Aviation (UK) Limited for the purchase of three cargo door-equipped Beechcraft King Air 360C aircraft expected to be delivered in 2025. The deal was signed at the Farnborough International Airshow (FIA), modernizes Gama Aviation’s fleet and supports the mission of the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS).

“By providing a wide range of essential healthcare services to regional, rural and remote communities, the mission scope of the Scottish Air Ambulance requires 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week operational availability,” said Bob Gibbs, vice president, Special Mission Sales, Textron Aviation. “Continuing to be the supplier of choice for emergency services in Scotland is a testament to the King Air’s performance when each second matters.”

The SAS equips mainland Scotland and its islands with a national air ambulance service. The only wholly publicly-funded air ambulance service in the United Kingdom, the SAS delivers an invaluable resource to the public of Scotland.

Gama Aviation has been a provider of air ambulance services to the SAS for more than 30 years with the King Air as the mainstay of the company’s fixed wing fleet. Together, the SAS provides the clinical staffing, while the aircraft, flight crew (pilots) and engineering support are provided by Gama Aviation on a managed service basis.

“Our team worked closely with the experts at Textron Aviation to spec the Beechcraft King Air 360Cs for our recently awarded contract in Scotland,” said Marwan Khalek, Group CEO, Gama Aviation. “Strategically the KA360C hits the mark, providing good, direct operating costs and flight performance with a highly scalable mission platform we will modify at Gama Aviation. The completed aircraft, on entry into service, will represent a substantial step-up in the provision of pre- and intra-hospital care for the people of Scotland.”

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Beechcraft King Air special “Crimson Edition” unveiled in honour of 60th Anniversary

Textron Aviation has announced a special edition 60th anniversary option for the iconic Beechcraft King Air 260 and 360 turboprops to celebrate the aircraft’s proud history of being the best-selling business turboprop family in the world. The new “Crimson Edition” King Air features a striking new interior and a vibrant red and silver exterior paint scheme, inspired by six decades of legendary Beechcraft customers and operators. The order book is open for the special edition aircraft, with deliveries beginning in 2025.

“The Crimson Edition of the King Air provides customers with an immersive experience that pays tribute to the turboprop’s renowned legacy, while also featuring modern luxuries and upgrades that showcase the aircraft's ongoing evolution,” said Christi Tannahill, senior vice president, of Customer Experience. “We’re honoured to celebrate a prestigious aircraft that is beloved by so many customers around the world.”

The King Air series aircraft has long been a customer favourite since its introduction in 1964. The legendary turboprop is synonymous with unwavering reliability, exceptional performance and unparalleled versatility, earning the trust and preference of operators worldwide.

New Crimson exterior scheme

One of the first noticeable attributes of the new “Crimson Edition” King Air is the iconic Beechcraft “B” on the aircraft’s tail. The exterior paint scheme showcases a metallic-like crimson, silver and black paint scheme. The aircraft’s new boarding step has hidden fasteners that create a sleeker appearance for entry, and its graphite silver finish perfectly matches the new exterior and interior.

Stunning custom interior

Cessna Caravan flight deck to feature cockpit advancements enhancing the flight experience for pilots

Textron Aviation is introducing significant enhancements to its legendary Cessna Caravan and Cessna Grand Caravan EX utility turboprop aircraft. A brighter, modernized flight deck with new backlit panels, along with other amenities designed to elevate the pilot experience, are the direct result of continuous conversations with customers. The enhancements, which are expected to be available in 2025, will be standard on all new Caravan and Grand Caravan EX aircraft.

“The enhancements to the Cessna Caravan flight deck demonstrate our continued commitment to providing the best possible flight experience for our customers,” said Christopher Crow, vice president, Piston and Utility Sales. “Our ongoing investments in this family of aircraft continues to build on the Caravan’s nearly 40-year history of success as the utility aircraft of choice for customers around the world.”

One of the most notable changes to both aircraft is the all-new black cockpit panels, creating a more contemporary appearance. The Caravan will also have Electroluminescent Lighting panels to match current Grand Caravan EX models, providing additional backlight for greater visibility in dimly lit environments.

Other enhancements to the Cessna Caravan and Grand Caravan EX include:

A wider cockpit boarding ladder for easier access to the captain’s side of the aircraft

Four circular, adjustable air nozzles to replace the previous two rectangular cockpit air vents

Two USB-C charging ports to replace the 12V power adapter on the lower center pedestal of the cockpit

Two USB-C charging ports on the right-hand subpanel for the copilot

Standard power headset jacks (LEMO plugs) alongside the existing General Aviation plugs, offering operators greater flexibility in powering active noise cancelling headsets

Headset hooks underneath the cockpit glareshield

Cessna Caravan family of aircraft

Textron Aviation delivers the first Cessna SkyCourier Combi

Textron Aviation this week announced the delivery of the first Cessna SkyCourier twin-engine utility turboprop equipped with a Combi interior conversion option. The aircraft was delivered to Everts Air, an Alaskan-based Part 135 operator serving passenger, cargo and charter needs throughout Alaska. Everts also operates Part 121, providing cargo and on-demand charter throughout North, Central and South America, as well as the Caribbean Islands.

“The Cessna SkyCourier’s new Combi option demonstrates the aircraft’s ability to meet the versatile mission profiles of our customers around the world,” said Lannie O’Bannion, senior vice president, Sales and Flight Operations. “We are grateful that longtime Cessna customers like Everts Air recognize the value in our products as business tools and their capability in serving customers.”

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) granted certification for the SkyCourier Combi interior configuration in May 2024. The recently certified option adds more flexibility to the 19-seat passenger variant of the aircraft by allowing operators to modify the interior to accommodate passengers and cargo at the same time. In addition to the existing gravel kit and full freighter conversion options, the Combi conversion expands the aircraft’s utility for diverse global markets and a wide variety of missions, catering to customers such as government bodies, law enforcement, armed forces, businesses and charitable groups.

The aircraft will join the Everts Air Alaska 135 fleet, which also includes a Cessna SkyCourier freighter variant and six Cessna Caravans.

“I look at the Cessna SkyCourier as a next generation aircraft for Bush Alaska,” said Robert W. Everts, owner of Everts Air. “The SkyCourier Combi will allow us to be flexible and serve the unique needs of citizens in remote communities. Along with offering the reliability of a Cessna, the aircraft is highly adaptable and the ultimate solution for air freight and passenger support in Alaska.”

Textron Aviation expands presence in Australia

Textron Aviation is expanding its footprint in Australia to modernize facilities and increase Cessna, Beechcraft and Hawker parts availability in the region. In addition, Premiair Aviation Maintenance, an Australian service centre acquired by Textron Aviation in 2020, has changed its name to Textron Aviation Australia Pty Ltd. to fully integrate the Perth, Gold Coast and Melbourne facilities into the company’s comprehensive global service network.

Beechcraft, Cessna and Hawker customers receive factory-direct support, maintenance and modifications by Textron Aviation Inc. through its global network of service and parts centres, mobile service units and 24/7 1CALL AOG (aircraft-on-ground) support.

Textron expands aftermarket support in Perth and Melbourne. 

Textron Aviation is moving to larger and modernized facilities at both Jandakot airport in Perth and Essendon Fields airport in Melbourne to grow service capacity and support parts availability in the region.

In Perth, moving Textron Aviation’s Service Center to a larger facility at Jandakot airport provides more space for servicing aircraft — increasing shop capacity and aiding in faster scheduling with minimal down time to keep customers flying. The new facility will also provide more comfortable environments for customers and employees. Textron Aviation expects to be fully operational in the new facility by the end of July 2024.

“Investing in a larger and modern Textron Aviation Service Center facility in Perth allows us to grow our capacity and better assist customers with scheduled maintenance, modifications and aircraft-on-ground support,” said Brian Rohloff, senior vice president, Customer Support. “We take pride in enhancing the customer experience at all of our service locations to keep people moving and help customers evolve their aircraft to fit their missions.”

In Melbourne, the company is adding 5,000 square feet of new parts storage to a facility near Essendon Fields airport, located within five minutes of all major carriers and the Textron Aviation Service Center. The expansion increases parts storage by four times the previous inventory in the region, leading to faster shipments for customers. Textron Aviation is also adding a new in-region parts customer support and warranty team in Melbourne to support all Cessna, Beechcraft and Hawker parts needs. Textron Aviation anticipates being fully functional in the expanded Melbourne facility by the end of June 2024.

“Increasing parts inventory and team members in Australia allows us to respond even faster to customers when they need support,” said Brad White, senior vice president, Global Parts and Distribution. “With more than 1,400 aircraft operating in the region, we’re making this investment in direct response to customer feedback and an increasing demand for parts availability globally.”

Milestone 400th Cessna Citation Latitude Production Rollout Emphasizes Its Leading Position in the Midsize Business Jet Market

Textron Aviation announced that the 400th Cessna Citation Latitude business jet has rolled out of production at the company’s factory in Wichita, Kansas, and is expected to be delivered later this year. Employees recognized the milestone with a special celebration at the company’s headquarters in Wichita.

"The Citation Latitude has redefined aircraft performance, efficiency and cabin experience,” said Todd McKee, senior vice president, Integrated Supply Chain. “Thanks to the dedication and skill of our team, we are continuously innovating and enhancing the Citation jets’ design and manufacturing process, providing our customers with unmatched performance, productivity and profitability. With our sights set on the future, we are committed to ongoing investment in research and development to continue inspiring the journey of flight.”

Certified in 2015, the Citation Latitude has been the world’s most-delivered midsize business jet for eight consecutive years and has proved a hit with customers due to its reliability, versatility and impressive 2,700-nautical mile range. Assembly of the Citation Latitude features a variety of technological advancements including the use of automated robotics, monolithic machined structures and ergonomically friendly tooling stations, resulting in detailed precision throughout the build process. Through these advancements, customers benefit from the highest quality, impressive maintenance intervals and limited aircraft down times.

With a flat floor cabin and ample space for nine passengers, the aircraft can fly nonstop between destinations such as Los Angeles and New York or Geneva and Riyadh. The Citation Latitude stands as the preferred choice among customers for a wide range of operations, including corporations, charter, personal travel, air ambulance, ISR, utility transport, aerial survey, flight inspection, training and numerous other specialized missions.

Cessna Citation Latitude

The Citation Latitude midsize business jet, with a four-passenger range of 2,700 nautical miles (5,000 km) at high-speed cruise, is set apart from the competition by its combination of comfort and efficiency. The aircraft’s class-leading take-off field length of 3,580 feet at Max Takeoff Weight provides operators with greater range out of short fields. Inside, the Citation Latitude offers an unrivaled cabin experience featuring the most open, spacious, bright and refined cabin environment in its category. With a flat floor and six feet of cabin height, innovation abounds with exceptional features designed throughout the aircraft.

The wireless cabin management system provides productive connectivity and entertainment to each passenger through their personal electronic devices. With standard seating configurations, the Citation Latitude jet can comfortably accommodate up to nine passengers. Extended maintenance intervals provide owners with the lowest direct operating costs in the midsize segment.

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Best-Selling Cessna Citation Latitude and Flagship Citation Longitude to offer new advanced avionics features

Textron Aviation announced advanced Garmin G5000 avionics enhancements coming to the best-selling mid-size business jet, the Cessna Citation Latitude, and the flagship of the Citation family of jets, the Citation Longitude. Textron Aviation’s investments in the popular business jets, based on customer feedback, will offer greater performance and improved user experience to pilots in the new Latitude jets beginning in 2025 and the new Longitude jets in 2026.

"Citation jets offer customers performance, productivity and profitability that opens a new world of possibility in aviation and their business,” said Lannie O'Bannion, senior vice president of Global Sales & Flight Operations. "These enhancements demonstrate our commitment to continuously invest in our legendary products in order to design and deliver the best aviation experience for our customers.”

When equipped with the latest Garmin G5000 avionics suite, the Latitude and Longitude will feature an array of new advanced features and technology from Garmin, including Synthetic Vision Guidance System (SVGS) shown on the primary flight displays, that couples with Synthetic Vision Technology (SVT) to support approach minima as low as 150 ft (46 m). SVGS provides a continuous, geo-spatially correct depiction of the external scene topography, including obstacles, augmented by the display of the runway.

SVT enhancements include a 3D exocentric view of the SafeTaxi® airport environment to aid situational awareness while taxiing. SVT also displays 3D building footprints including hangars, terminals and towers, taxiways, aprons, signs and other markings to help reduce runway incursions by providing guidance while taxiing at airports contained in the SafeTaxi database. The enhancements also support pilot situational awareness by increasing topographical clarity, sharpening water and terrain boundaries, improving obstacle and powerlines display and enhancing runway and airport sign depictions. SVT introduces multiple viewpoints for the first time and integrates with the new Taxiway Routing feature that provides clarity during ground operations – particularly at large, unfamiliar and complex airports during low visibility conditions.

Cessna SkyCourier Earns FAA Certification for New Combi Option

Textron Aviation confirmed this week that the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has granted certification of a new Combi interior conversion option for the passenger variant of the twin-engine, Cessna SkyCourier turboprop aircraft. The Combi option enables operators to transport nine passengers and cargo simultaneously. Deliveries of Cessna SkyCourier passenger units with the Combi option included are slated to begin later this year.

“This newly certified combi kit adds to the growing list of options for the versatile Cessna SkyCourier,” said Lannie O’Bannion, senior vice president, Global Sales and Flight Operations. “The Combi will allow operators to use the aircraft for an even broader range of missions globally and quickly change configurations to best serve their needs.”

With the ability to be operated by a single pilot and a generous payload capacity, the Cessna SkyCourier is the ultimate solution for air freight, passenger and special mission needs. This additional option for the aircraft builds on the available gravel kit to pave the way for further use in global markets by a variety of customers, including government agencies, law enforcement and militaries, corporations and humanitarian organizations. The aircraft is highly adaptable and can easily adjust configurations to effectively complete virtually any mission, supporting a significant return on investment.

Cessna SkyCourier

Data Communications Upgrade for Hawker 4000 Business Jets Earns STC Approval

Textron Aviation has confirmed the Federal Aviation Administration has granted supplemental type certification (STC) approval of a fully integrated Future Air Navigation System (FANS) and Protected Mode Controller Pilot Data Link Communication (PM-CPDLC) programme for Hawker 4000 aircraft equipped with the Honeywell PRIMUS EPIC integrated cockpit. This program allows pilots to communicate more easily with air traffic controllers and utilize the most current Data Link services offered in North America and Europe.

Beechcraft, Cessna and Hawker customers receive factory-direct support, maintenance and modifications by Textron Aviation, through a global network of service and part centres, mobile service units and 24/7 1CALL AOG support.

“The new cockpit technology upgrade for Hawker 4000 business jets reduces pilot workload and offers improved efficiency,” said Brian Rohloff, senior vice president, Customer Support. “Our team is committed to supporting customers throughout their ownership experience and we made this option available through our global service network based on their feedback.”

The FANS 1/A+ and PM-CPDLC programme features:

Ease of operation by quickly and accurately loading complex instructions into the aircraft flight management system with the push of a button

Support for future FAA Next Gen Data Com capabilities

Trajectory-based operations