Cessna Brings Two Aircraft to NBAA; Will Build Major Maintenance Facility

The expected presence of a Cessna Citation X and Citation Excel on static display here in New Orleans punctuates the company's just announced plans to expand its maintenance network with a new $60 million Citation Service Center in Wichita.

The 443,000-sq. ft., 1,600-ft. long maintenance center will add 500 new jobs to the region when it's completed in 2003. It will be located on a 150-acre site leased to Cessna by the Wichita Airport Authority.

Once finished, the current Wichita Citation Service Center will be utilized as an aircraft completion center for the new Citation Sovereign beginning in 2004. Cessna estimates another 300 jobs will be created at the completion facility.

"With the continued growth of the Citation fleet, this new service center is necessary to anticipate an even higher level of customer expectations," said Ron Chapman, senior vice president of customer service. "It is projected that upon completion, we will immediately utilize 70% of the facility's capacity."

The decision to build the new center is in direct response to delivery of 253 Citations last year, a record for the company.

Though Cessna won't have a booth at this year's show, its representatives will be on hand to talk about the company's major accomplishments in 2001. They include continued development of an upgraded Citation X and testing of the new Sovereign.

The improved Citation X will have increased thrust for better climb and cruise performance, and a higher payload carrying capacity with an increased max takeoff weight. Certification is expected by year-end, with deliveries beginning in 2002.

In related news, Cessna has sold the first Citation X in China-to the CAAC. Testing of the Cessna Sovereign is now in an advanced stage as the aircraft prepares for first flight early next year. Testing includes fatigue cycles, hot and cold weather testing of environmental systems, wheels and brake testing, and baggage heat testing.

By Barry Rosenberg