The Cessna Citation XLS+ is the centerpiece of the company’s exhibit at the China International Business Aviation Show at the Flight Inspection Center of the Civil Aviation Authority of China in Beijing, China Sept. 16-18., representing its role both in Cessna’s joint venture in China and as one of the best-selling business jet models ever produced. Cessna Aircraft Company is a subsidiary of Textron Aviation, a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company.

The Citation XLS+ was certified by the CAAC in April. This was a key milestone in the joint venture agreement between Cessna and China Aviation Industry General Aviation Company Ltd. (CAIGA) for final assembly and delivery of Citation XLS+ aircraft to customers in China.

“The Citation XLS+ has earned a reputation for performance and reliability.  It continues to be a market leader in the midsize business jet segment because it has proven to be a smart investment in helping to grow a business without sacrificing the cabin features you expect in private air travel,” said Bill Schultz, senior vice president of Business Development in China. “The XLS+ is perfectly suited for the Chinese market due to its acquisition and operating costs, its range, and particularly its performance at high-altitude airports in many parts of the country.”

Cessna and CAIGA announced the joint venture in 2012 to assemble and deliver Citation XLS+ business jets and Caravan turboprops for Chinese customers. Operations in China will include final assembly, paint, testing, interior installation, customization, flight testing and delivery.

The Citation XLS+ is the world’s most sought-after business jet. Business owners consistently have chosen the Citation XLS+ more than any other aircraft in the light midsize category for its unparalleled combination of comfort, ease of operation, range of mission capabilities and favorable operating efficiencies. The aircraft provides customers access from Beijing to Hong Kong and Hong Kong to Shanghai, well within a one-day trip. Inside is the largest cabin in its class with nearly 19 feet of length, a dropped aisle that provides 68 inches of height the entire length of the cabin and seating for up to 12 passengers. It travels as fast as 441 ktas with a range of more than 1,858 nautical miles, departing from runways as short as 3,560 feet.

More than 6,600 Citations have been delivered to customers around the world since the first Cessna Citation business jet was put into service in 1972. Citations are the largest fleet of business jets in the world and have surpassed 30 million flight hours.

Cessna press release