How Cessna Became Synonymous with Piston Powered Aircraft

When one hears the name Cessna, they immediately think of a business jet or a piston powered plane. Before becoming a Textron Aviation brand in 2014, Cessna Aircraft Company was a general aircraft manufacturer from the United States. It became famous with its piston powered aircraft.

For a long time Cessna was a leader among other manufacturers with the highest volumes worldwide. Cessna’s story begins in the late 1920’s. The company was purchased twice before finally becoming a Textron Aviation brand.

History and Highlights

The history of Cessna is long and interesting. It went through many successes and hard times. It takes us back to the 1900’s.

Clyde Cessna a farmer from Kansas made his first flight on an aircraft he constructed himself. The date was June 1911. He then opened his first venture based in Oklahoma where he started building and testing his first airplanes

His first company opened in 1927 and was a partnership with Victor Roos which didn’t last long and Cessna had to buy his shares back. Two years later the first major success came – an official certification of the CessnaDC6. But it was bitter-sweet because the same day the stock market went down. Many companies went out of business due to the 1929 Depression including Cessna.

The company reopened in 1934 and this is when it started growing into a globally known company. Cessna Aircraft launched its first seaplane and later on its first helicopter. Around this time two major contracts were signed – one with the Canadian national air carrier and the other with the U.S Military.

General Dynamics purchased Cessna in 1985 and became a subsidiary. In 1992 Textron Aviation purchased the company first as a subsidiary and later on it became part of their brand portfolio.

Facts and Figures

Cessna is one of the most famous producers of business jets, turboprops and piston-engine aircraft. It was the largest in the world based on unit sales. In 2008 the company delivered more than 1,300 aircrafts with revenues reaching $5.600 billion.

Other flagship products in Cessna’s portfolio are:

·         Citation - Latitude

·         Citation X+ -business jet

·         Grand Caravan - EX

·         Caravan

·         Cessna 172 - Skyhawk

Since its establishment Cessna has delivered more than 190,000 airplanes globally. This number includes sic thousand Citation jets which is the largest fleet of business aircraft in the world.

Recognition and Awards

Textron Aviation and Cessna have received global recognition and a number of awards such as best employer and supplier. The conglomerate is putting efforts into sustainability and giving back to the communities.

Although Cessna is not an independent company anymore its line of turboprops (Caravan), jets (Citation) and classic piston-powered aircraft still dominate the skies. From first steps into flying, to flying business, Cessna remains a great example of success and a brand with a solution to all their client’s needs.

More info at:  https://cessna.txtav.com/