Citation Latitude Marks ABACE Debut, China Service Entry

Textron Aviation’s midsize Cessna Citation Latitude made its ABACE show debut this week in Shanghai, which follows China CAAC approval earlier this year. The Wichita-based aircraft manufacturer also recently delivered the first two Latitudes into China to Emper General Aviation in Suzhou for its charter operation.

Since its market introduction in 2015, the Latitude has reigned as the best-selling midsize business jet, with a global fleet now numbering more than 110 aircraft. “Following the Latitude’s second year as the best-selling midsize business jet—and on the heels CAAC certification and the first deliveries into China—ABACE visitors saw why this aircraft is gaining traction throughout the Asia-Pacific region and around the world,” said Textron Aviation president of Asia-Pacific sales and marketing Jessica Pruss.

Meanwhile, the company’s super-midsize Longitude recently circumnavigated the globe as it completed a world tour, during which the twinjet spent several weeks in the Asia-Pacific region. With certification now slated by the end of next month, the Longitude flight program has completed more than 1,100 flights and logged more than 2,400 hours, the company said.