Gains and Achievements for Cessna Aircraft in 2005

Cessna Aircraft Company Chairman, President and CEO Jack Pelton reports that the company made remarkable gains and significant achievements in 2005.

Pelton attributes the year's success to "a world class Cessna team, award winning customer support, a broad product line that is responsive to the marketplace, emerging global markets, and implementation of lean manufacturing processes."

During the year, Cessna delivered 249 Citation jets, 822 single engine pistons, and 86 Caravan single-engine turboprops; won FAA certification for two new jets -- the CJ1+ and CJ2+; and built its order book up to 788 jets and 1,198 single engine aircraft with a total value of $6.3 billion. The company also achieved significant refinement of its processes through implementation of the Textron Six Sigma Lean program, resulting in a more efficient, leaner company.

Pelton said, "We are most proud of the strides we have made with our customers through our 'Taking Care of Customers is Taking Care of Business' initiative, which was demonstrated when both Professional Pilot Magazine and Aviation International News named Cessna top in its class for customer support."

Also during 2005 the company received type certification for the Garmin G1000-equipped Skyhawk; delivered the 6,000th single engine piston airplane since the restart of production in 1996; and unveiled the Encore+ at the National Business Aviation Association annual convention.

"As good as 2005 was, we expect 2006 to be even better," Pelton said.

Based on unit sales, Cessna is the world's largest manufacturer of general aviation aircraft. Since the company was originally established in 1927, more than 186,000 Cessna airplanes have been delivered to nearly every country in the world. The global fleet of more than 4,500 Citations is the largest fleet of business jets in the world. Find more information about Cessna Aircraft Company. Cessna Aircraft