Cessna

Cessna Aircraft Company: A Legacy in Aviation

Founded in 1911, the Cessna Aircraft Company has long been a pioneer in American aviation. Now part of Textron Aviation, Cessna is headquartered in Wichita, Kansas, and plays a significant role in the global business jet market. The company has built a reputation for designing and manufacturing cost-effective, reliable, and comfortable aircraft, from piston-powered planes to advanced business jets.

Textron Aviation, Cessna’s parent company since 1992, operates facilities in Wichita and Independence, Kansas; Columbus, Georgia; and Chihuahua, Mexico. The company supports both civilian and military aviation needs through innovation and customer-focused design.

History of Cessna Aircraft

Initially founded in 1927, the Cessna Aircraft Company quickly grew into one of the largest and most versatile producers of general aviation aircraft in the world. Known for popular models like the Cessna 172 and 185, the company became a household name in pilot training and small aircraft ownership.

Throughout the mid-to-late 20th century, Cessna led the industry in manufacturing a broad range of aircraft, including:

• Single and twin-engine piston aircraft
• Turboprops
• Business jets
• Helicopters

In 1985, the company was acquired by General Dynamics and was later sold to Textron in 1992. In 2014, Textron further expanded its aviation portfolio by acquiring both Beechcraft and Hawker Aircraft. This acquisition led to the consolidation of Cessna under the unified brand of Textron Aviation, alongside Beechcraft and Hawker.

Textron and the Cessna Citation Line

Before joining Textron Aviation, Cessna made its mark with the development of the Citation series—the world’s most popular light jet line. With 25 distinct models over time, Citation jets are recognized globally for their performance, comfort, and technological innovation.

Some key models include:

• Citation XLS Gen2 – A refined midsize jet with seating for up to 12 passengers, enhanced soundproofing, and wireless cabin management.
• Citation M2 – Cessna’s entry-level light jet, ideal for charter and corporate travel, featuring touch-controlled avionics and seating for up to seven with luxury interiors.
• Citation II – A legacy model known for performance and dependability, which paved the way for newer, more efficient variants like the XLS.
• Citation X – Once the world’s fastest business jet, capable of flying near the speed of sound, combining performance with transcontinental range.

Textron continues to evolve the Citation family, keeping it at the forefront of business aviation.

Textron’s Broader Aviation Portfolio

Textron Aviation also includes:

• Bell Helicopter Textron, based in Fort Worth, Texas, produces commercial and military helicopters.
• Beechcraft, known for its King Air turboprops.
• Legacy Hawker Aircraft, which are no longer in production but remain supported through Textron Aviation’s maintenance services.

Although Textron has not resumed production of new Hawker jets, its engineering innovations may influence future Citation and Beechcraft developments.

Cessna Today

Today, Cessna aircraft continue to serve in private, charter, and business roles across the globe. Corporate fleets and individual owners favor their jets for reliability, cabin comfort, and efficient operations. Through Textron Aviation, Cessna benefits from global support infrastructure, financing solutions, and cutting-edge aircraft development.

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