Cessna is cutting an additional 2,000 workers from its 12,000 employee corps in order to ensure its long-term stability, according to the company, which plans to offer a voluntary layoff program. This is the second round of cuts after last month’s 60-day layoff notice for 500 and 165 working in Wichita and Bend, Ore, respectively.
Despite announcing the layoffs, Cessna Aircraft Company continues to move forward on new product development projects including the Citation Columbus, the Citation CJ4 and the Model 162 SkyCatcher.
"Despite the uncertainty of the world's economic environment, we believe it is critical that we not compromise our future,” said Chair, President and CEO Jack Pelton. “Our new product development programs are proceeding on schedule. We remain committed to investing in these programs, whether it is in aircraft development, facility construction or ensuring we have the people resources to meet our schedule."
The Citation Columbus was formally launched about one year ago and is planned to enter service with customers in 2014. The Citation CJ4, the newest member of the popular CJ series of light business jets, is well into certification testing and is expected to enter service early next year. The SkyCatcher Light Sport Aircraft is nearing final ASTM compliance certification and deliveries are planned to begin later this year.
The $780 million Citation Columbus development program is comprised of both aircraft development and manufacturing facilities construction. On the aircraft development side, Cessna and its design team have more than 850 employees working Columbus design tasks. Additionally, other supplier employees are working on engine and avionics tasks for the intercontinental, large-cabin business jet.
Meanwhile, facilities work continues at full pace in Wichita where the new Citation Columbus assembly facility is located. Some 450,000 cubic yards (344,050 cubic meters) of earth is being moved in to support the massive 600,000 square-foot (55,742 square meters) building. Construction is expected to start in March following selection of a general contractor for the project.
The Citation CJ4 continues toward full FAA certification later this year. Three aircraft are in the flight test program and have completed nearly 350 flight hours. A test airframe successfully completed cyclic tests, reaching five lifetimes with no structural fatigue issues.
"We remain 100 percent on schedule on this key program," Pelton said. "The CJ4 is already proving to be a popular model, offering businesses the perfect blend of cost efficiency and performance."
The production line is already functional and the first production aircraft is moving down the line on schedule, with the second production aircraft set to follow soon.
As for the lower end of the Cessna product line, all engineering work and testing of the 162 SkyCatcher is being completed according to American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards.
Flight testing is focused on gathering data and making minor refinements to ensure the aircraft complies with ASTM requirements and fulfills its intended role in the training and sport flying market. An extensive Ground Vibration Test, though not an ASTM requirement, was conducted to meet Cessna's exacting standards for airframe integrity. Additional testing beyond the ASTM requirements will include a full airframe fatigue test on a production aircraft. Cessna plans to begin deliveries in the U.S. later this year.