WICHITA, Kan., Feb. 25, 2009 – Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today it has gained full type certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for the 400 Corvalis TT high performance, single-engine piston aircraft.

“This is a significant milestone for Cessna, opening a market that has been clamoring for a new, high-performance aircraft like the 400 Corvalis TT,” said John Doman, vice president, Worldwide Propeller Aircraft Sales. “This aircraft is perfectly suited for Europe, both as a business aircraft with comfortable seating for four people and their luggage, and for personal use with a range of some 1,250 nautical miles (2,315 km), allowing fast, convenient trips to anywhere in Europe in a matter of hours.”

The 400 Corvalis TT is the world’s fastest fixed-gear single-engine piston aircraft with a top speed of 235 knots (435 km/hr) and a service ceiling of 25,000 feet (6,620 m).

The 400 Corvalis TT is produced by Cessna at its facility in Bend, Ore., formerly the Columbia Aircraft Manufacturing Co. Cessna acquired certain assets of the company in December 2007. Since then, in addition to making a number of significant improvements to the aircraft and its global product support, Cessna recently renamed the Cessna 400 and 350 as the 400 Corvalis TT (twin turbo) and the 350 Corvalis.

Source: Cessna