General Aviation Textron Aviation receives new Cessna Skyhawk orders

Textron Aviation´s Cessna has received two new orders for its Skyhawk aircraft. Sichuan Longhao Flight Training and the Kansas State University Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus have ordered 10 and 20 aircraft respectively for pilot training purposes.

Longhao Flight Training School will take delivery of the aircraft throughout 2022 and will use the Skyhawks for primary pilot training in southwest and central China. The 20 piston aircraft will enhance the operator´s fleet and will allow an acceleration of training and developing new pilots.

Mike Shih, vice president of Sales and Strategy in China, Textron Aviation, commented: “With a long-standing relationship with Longhao, this order demonstrates its support and confidence in Textron Aviation and our products.”

The flight school currently uses 14 Skyhawk aircraft and three flight simulators. Recently, major aircraft manufacturers released their evaluation of needed passenger aircraft for the Asian market, and it became clear, that the market will grow as fast as ever. This also translates to a larger demand for pilots and Longhao has now taken new measures to meet the demand by ordering 20 training aircraft.

Kansas State University is currently operating with 10 Skyhawk aircraft and will double its fleet size once all 10 new Skyhawks have been delivered. In the first quarter of 2022, Kansas State University is expected to take over the first aircraft.

“Textron Aviation remains committed to supporting the training and development of the next generation of pilots, and our continued strong relationship with Kansas State is a critical element to these efforts,” stated Chris Crow, vice president, Piston Sales, Textron Aviation.

"The addition of these aircraft is a major step toward our vision to meet industry demands by providing students experience from a primary trainer all the way to a business-class airplane," added Alysia Starkey, CEO and dean of K-State Salina.

Textron Aviation’s Cessna Skyhawk has been a popular choice with pilot training companies, as the aircraft is an easy learner. Since the first Skyhawk took off for its maiden flight, more than 45,000 aircraft have been delivered, making it the most sold aircraft in the industry.