WICHITA, Kan. (Feb. 27, 2018) – Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron, Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced that, for the second consecutive year, the Cessna Citation Latitude earned the title as the category’s most delivered business jet. Citation Latitude 2017 deliveries increased by 30 percent from 2016, to 54 deliveries, further cementing its position as one of the world’s best-selling business jets since its entry into service in 2015.
“We are thrilled to see the Latitude continue its reign as the most delivered business jet in its class, a clear testament that our product development strategy is both resonating with customers and helping to invigorate the market,” said Scott Ernest, president and CEO. “In less than two and a half years, the Latitude is on track to become a billion-dollar business, making it one of the most successful and sought after aircraft on the market. As the Latitude continues to gain traction with customers across the globe, its success is paving the way for the super midsize Citation Longitude.”
Since its entry into service in 2015, the Citation Latitude has redefined the expectations of a midsize business jet, delivering large-cabin comfort and best-in-class operating costs. Today, the aircraft is certified in 43 countries, and the global fleet of 112 aircraft has surpassed 65,000 flight hours.
Throughout 2017 the Citation Latitude program reached multiple milestones, including increased operational capability with steep approach certification, delivery of the platform’s first medevac configuration and delivery of the 100th aircraft.
The Latitude, 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 provides operators with greater range out of short fields. Inside, the 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.
Textron Aviation’s wireless cabin management system provides productive connectivity and entertainment to each passenger through their personal electronic devices. Improving cabin comfort for passengers and crew alike, the Latitude features a new cabin cooling system and a new pressurization system which provides a 5,950-foot cabin altitude at the aircraft’s maximum operating altitude of 45,000 feet. With standard seating configurations, the Latitude can comfortably accommodate up to nine passengers. Extended maintenance intervals provide owners with the lowest direct operating costs in the midsize segment.