Cessna Begins Latitude Deliveries, Launches U.S. Tour

Cessna Aircraft started deliveries of the Citation Latitude this week, meeting the company’s goal—announced after the new twinjet received FAA certification on June 5—for initial shipments to begin in the third quarter. In addition, Cessna is launching a U.S. demo tour of the Latitude to show off its "stand-up, flat-floor" cabin.

Pittsburgh, Pa.-based aircraft charter and management firm Aircraft Management Group (AMG) was among the first operators to take delivery of the Latitude. “What’s appealing is that [the Latitude has] the amenities of larger aircraft, but the flexibility to fly into short fields with transcontinental range,” said AMG president John Sieckowski. With the Latitude, he said the company will be able to expand its customer base by allowing flights to the U.S. West Coast and Europe.

Meanwhile, the Latitude will embark on a 28-day, 39-airport, coast-to-coast demonstration tour beginning August 31 at Chicago Executive Airport. Other stops will include airports in Milwaukee, Wis.; Indianapolis; Cleveland, Ohio; White Plains, N.Y.; Orlando, Fla.; Atlanta; Houston; Dallas; Denver; Salt Lake City, Utah; Boston; Seattle; and several cities in California. Additional tours are planned for Europe, the Middle East and Asia later this year, Cessna said.