HB and Cessna Celebrate Milestones in 2007

Between Raytheon Aircraft becoming Hawker Beechcraft (HB) and delivering the Hawker 4000 and Cessna delivering the Mustang, 2007 is a big year in Wichita. But the two companies are also celebrating multiple birthdays this year. The company now known as Hawker Beechcraft is celebrating its 75th anniversary (Walter and Olive Ann Beech formed the enterprise on April 19, 1932, at the Travel Air manufacturing facilities in Wichita) and Cessna is celebrating its 80th (Clyde Cessna, a contemporary of Walter and Olive Ann, formed his company on Aug. 13, 1927). This year also marks the 60th anniversary of the Beech Bonanza. Both companies have planned large celebrations for later in the year.