Cirrus has announced that it manufactured more aircraft throughout 2011’s third quarter than during the same period last year. It delivered 48 SR-Series aircraft to individual customers, plus 20 aircraft to the largest flight training academy in the world, the Civil Aviation Flight University of China (CAFUC).
By Hazel PlushCirrus has announced that it manufactured more aircraft throughout 2011’s third quarter than during the same period last year. It delivered 48 SR-Series aircraft to individual customers, plus 20 aircraft to the largest flight training academy in the world, the Civil Aviation Flight University of China (CAFUC).Todd Simmons, Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing at Cirrus Aircraft said: “The third quarter was unique for Cirrus in several ways. First, we actually completed 68 new aircraft versus 61 in the same quarter a year ago. Though only 48 deliveries are reflected in the GAMA report, an additional 20 aircraft were completed in Duluth, Minnesota and are currently in transit to in Luoyang, China.Simmons continued: “The third quarter also marked the delivery of the tenth and final Limited Commemorative Edition SR22T. To recognize the anniversary of the first SR22 delivery in 2001 of what has become the best-selling four-place airplane in the world, we developed an exclusive Cirrus with never-before-seen special features including new applications of carbon fiber, one-of-a kind interior and a striking asymmetric paint scheme. And to cap the quarter off, at this year’s AOPA Summit in September we delivered the 5000th SR-Series airplane (pictured above). Five thousand aircraft in just over a decade is an astounding accomplishment in aviation and rightfully a source of great pride for Cirrus employees, customers and partners.”Cirrus stands out in maintaining stable production and unit deliveries quarter after quarter, and this inspires confidence in current and new owners alike. We can attribute our stability to both efficiency in manufacturing and to what we believe are the highest quality general aviation aircraft ever produced. It all add ups to our goal of having a direct and personal relationship with each and every Cirrus customer.”The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) released the industry’s third quarter shipment and billings summary on 7 November. Pete Bunce, GAMA president and CEO, reflected on the figures: “The shipments and billings numbers show some improvement over the sharper decline experienced in first half of 2011. However, considering the fragility of the economies in the traditional markets of North America and Europe, this is not the time for new, undue government burdens to be imposed on general aviation… Policymakers should be focused on initiatives that encourage investment in our industry and grow jobs.”
