Cirrus Aircraft Leading General Aviation Rebound

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Aug 06, 2013, 12:16 ET

DULUTH, Minn., Aug. 6, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Cirrus Aircraft today announced impressive airplane delivery results for the second quarter of 2013 with 79 Cirrus aircraft delivered to customers worldwide, up 32 percent over the same period in 2012. The total 2013 first half shipments of 130 Cirrus aircraft marks the best half-year delivery performance since 2008. The latest industry shipment and billing figures were released today by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, the international trade organization representing over 80 of the world's leading producers of general aviation airplanes, rotorcraft, engines, avionics, components and related services.

Cirrus Aircraft Generation 5 SR22T. (PRNewsFoto/Cirrus Aircraft) (PRNewsFoto/CIRRUS AIRCRAFT)

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130806/CG59623)

"Momentum at Cirrus, specifically around the Generation 5 SR22 and SR22T, is driving demand for new piston aircraft that is starting to feel closer to pre-recession levels," reports Todd Simmons, Executive Vice President of Sales, Marketing & Customer Support at Cirrus Aircraft. "These latest performance results confirm strong preference by both individuals and institutions alike for design innovation unique to Cirrus Aircraft."

Generation 5 is Class-Leading

Beyond simply a 200 pound increase in useful load – meaning an extra adult can now be on board – Generation 5 aircraft are a culmination of all the best features an aircraft in this class can offer. "Our aircraft are designed with systems and features that make flying easier, safer and more accessible to a new generation of pilots, owners and operators," Simmons added. "Our customers are demanding better performance, more capability and simpler entry into aircraft ownership and with Generation 5 we are offering the most sophisticated airplane in its class."

New Solutions and New Market Segments

Two recent company announcements highlight the diversity of markets Cirrus is serving. First, Cirrus On Demand^(SM) was introduced earlier this year as the unique Cirrus approach to personal or small business aircraft ownership that allows an owner to purchase a package that includes a pilot to fly and manage his or her aircraft. This means a new Cirrus owner can immediately use the airplane for convenient travel with the benefit of a highly qualified Cirrus On Demand pilot in the left seat. Because this pilot is also a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), new owners can use this time to also learn to fly, with their own personal flight instructor at their service. Second, last week Cirrus Aircraft announced its most recent order for advanced training aircraft by the Royal Saudi Air Force. This is now the third recent order by a national air force for Cirrus aircraft, the previous two orders coming from the United States Air Force Academy and the French Air Force.

"These are just two of the latest solutions from Cirrus that are fueling growth. Add these to Generation 5 and the accelerated pace of the Vision Jet program and it's easy to see why customers are excited. We share that enthusiasm and the outlook is even brighter for the remainder of 2013 and into 2014," concluded Simmons.

About Cirrus Aircraft  Cirrus Aircraft is a recognized leader in general aviation. Its all-composite line of personal aircraft - the SR20, SR22 and the turbocharged SR22T - incorporate innovative and advanced performance, electronic and safety technologies, including Cirrus Perspective™ by Garmin® avionics and the unique Cirrus Airframe Parachute System™ (CAPS). To date, total time on the worldwide Cirrus Aircraft SR-series fleet surpassed five million flight hours with 76 lives saved as a direct result of CAPS being a standard safety feature on all Cirrus aircraft. The Cirrus Vision SF50 jet, with over 500 production positions reserved, will provide a new personal and regional business transportation solution: the personal jet. All Cirrus aircraft are made in the U.S. with a direct sales force in North America and authorized sales centers covering export markets in 60 countries around the world. Cirrus Aircraft is wholly owned by China Aviation Industry General Aircraft Co., Ltd (CAIGA). For additional information on Cirrus and its products please visit cirrusaircraft.com.

SOURCE Cirrus Aircraft