10% of orders for Cessna Aircraft's Citation Columbus come from Middle East

Cessna launched the Columbus program earlier this year and holds more than 70 orders for the aircraft, priced at $27m (2008 price). Wallan Aviation, Cessna's authorized sales representative in the Middle East, has already resold its initial order of three Columbus aircraft and has placed a follow on order for three additional units.

The Citation Columbus is expected to gain full certification in 2013 and enter service in 2014. It is expected to be the only aircraft in its class capable of 4,000 nautical miles (7,408 kilometers) non-stop at Mach .80. Preliminary performance numbers set a maximum cruise speed of 488 knots (904 kilometers per hour, Mach .85), a maximum operating speed of Mach .86, a full fuel payload of 1,950 pounds (886 kilograms) and takeoff field length of 5,400 feet (1,646 meters) at maximum takeoff weight.

Cessna Vice President, International Sales, Trevor Esling, said:

"Cessna had the needs of Middle Eastern customers very much in mind when designing the Citation Columbus. It will offer non-stop range from Dubai to London, the largest cabin in its class, and ample space for luggage. We believe it is a very compelling proposition for a $27m aircraft and are confident it will continue to attract many more orders across the region."

At the recent the National Business Aviation Association Meeting and Convention in Orlando, Florida, Cessna unveiled a revised full scale mock-up of the Citation Columbus concept, demonstrating progress to date on the program and two years of intensive research on customer preferences. Visitors to Cessna's static display at MEBA 2008 are able to view the original Columbus mock-up.