Cessna Delivers 32nd Cessna-208B Caravan to Brazil's Air Force

Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. company, has completed the delivery of the 32nd Model 208/208B Caravan aircraft to Força Aérea Brasileira, the air branch of the Brazilian armed forces. This delivery completes a contract for nine new Caravans.

“It's really great for us to have one more Cessna 208B Grand Caravan in our fleet. It is an amazing, multi-purpose aircraft with low maintenance cost and our fleet has been extremely useful to our Force,” said Colonel Luzzi, Director of Lagoa Santa Depot, the organization responsible for third-level maintenance of Brazilian Air Force Caravan aircraft.

“Cessna is proud to have a highly regarded organization such as the FAB operate the largest fleet of Caravans outside the United States in the world and to put the model's versatility to use on diverse missions, whether it’s cargo and passenger transport or utilitarian and special mission air operations,” said Bob Gibbs, Cessna’s director of international sales. “Throughout its 25-year history, the Caravan has proven its versatility, offering impressive hauling capacity and reliable performance.”

The first FAB Caravan started service in 1987. They are based around the country and perform a variety of roles.

The single-engine turboprop Caravan is certified in 100 countries and the fleet of 2,000-plus aircraft has amassed more than 13 million flight hours. It received FAA type certification in 1984 and marked its first customer delivery in 1985.

Cessna is the world’s leading general aviation company. Since its inception in 1927, Cessna has designed, produced and delivered more than 192,500 airplanes around the globe. This includes more than 6,100 Citation business jets, making it the largest fleet of business jets in the world. Today, Cessna has two principal lines of business: aircraft sales and aftermarket services. Aircraft sales include Citation business jets, Caravan single-engine utility turboprops, single-engine piston aircraft and lift solutions by CitationAir. Aftermarket services include parts, maintenance, inspection and repair services. In 2010, Cessna delivered 535 aircraft, including 179 Citation business jets, and reported revenues of $2.6 billion. More information about Cessna Aircraft Company is available at cessna.com.

Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft Company, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, and Textron Systems.

Source: Cessna Aircraft Company - WICHITA, Kan., August 10, 2011(www.cessna.com)

Photo: the 32nd Model 208/208B Cessna Caravan delivered to Força Aérea Brasileira [Cessna]

(3.09.2011)