Cessna has entered into a joint venture contract with China Aviation Industry General Aircraft Company Ltd., (CAIGA) to assemble Citation XLS+ jets in China for the Chinese market.
Under the agreement, Cessna's Wichita, Kansas operation will provide components, parts manufacturing and sub-assemblies to the joint venture in Zhuhai where final assembly, paint, testing, interior installation, customization, flight testing and delivery to in-country customers will occur.
Scott Ernest, Cessna President and CEO said "This is an exciting opportunity for Cessna, given the tremendous growth potential of the region and our ability to bring high quality, proven aircraft that people have come to expect from Cessna."
The JV will be managed by board members from both companies, with the general manager to be nominated by Cessna and the deputy general manager to be nominated by CAIGA.
"We are extremely pleased with this joint venture contract and we look forward to producing high-quality business jets for the Chinese market," said Bill Schultz, Cessna's senior vice president of Business Development, China. "Customers can expect rigorous testing and quality controls that are the hallmark of our reliable aircraft family."
This joint venture stems from a strategic agreement that Cessna signed with CAIGA's parent company, AVIC, in March this year.