News Releases
Cessna's Pelton Calls for International Cooperation to Solve Global Aviation Issues During Keynote Speech at Australia Convention
WICHITA, Kan., Oct. 1, 2009 - Jack J. Pelton, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, today said business aviation faces similar issues around the world that will require operators to cooperate across regional lines if the business is to thrive. Pelton's remarks came during his keynote address at the 10th annual Regional Aviation Association of Australia Convention held in Sunshine Coast, Queensland.
"We have our work cut out for us – here in Australia, in the United States and around the globe," said Pelton. "Every region of the world has its own issues to deal with and each issue is complex, requiring dedicated and reasoned discussion among the principals."
Pelton said the three primary issues facing general aviation are requirements to enhance security and safety, the need to modernize the world's air traffic management system and rising environmental concerns.
"In all three cases, we know there will be new regulations," Pelton said. "But we must work closely with the government to ensure the regulations make sense for the way general aviation operates while providing real benefits. And we must make sure these issues are considered on a global scale; it's imperative we create multilateral policies to create a cohesive global industry."
Pelton also addressed the primarily American issue of the image of business aviation which came under attack the past year.
"The main reason for the inaccurate portrayal of business aircraft use is a lack of understanding of the benefits and scope of business aviation," Pelton said. "The truth is that there's an increased importance on business jets. Companies of all sizes, all around the world, fly many types of aircraft as they compete in a global marketplace that demands speed, flexibility, efficiency, security, confidentiality and productivity. For all of these reasons and more, general aviation has become essential to the world's transportation system and the global economy."
Pelton, in his first visit to Australia as Cessna CEO, said the company has had a long relationship with aviation in Australia. In addition to attending the RAAA event, Pelton used his visit to meet with dignitaries, customers and the company's authorized sales partners - Aeromil Pacific and Airflite Pty Ltd.
"It's clear that general aviation is a critical component of the national infrastructure in Australia, and it's wonderful to see groups like RAAA working to promote and maintain the industry," Pelton said.
"There's no doubt general aviation faces many near-term challenges, but in taking a long-term perspective, my outlook for the industry is positive and my vision is that the best is yet to come for the businesses, communities and families benefiting from general aviation," Pelton said. "Organizations such as RAAA here and GAMA, NBAA and AOPA in the U.S. are an important part of the solution – but they rely on participation from businesses and aircraft owner/operators. We all must be active in shaping future legislation in a way that protects our industry."
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Based on unit sales, Cessna Aircraft Company is the world's largest manufacturer of general aviation airplanes. In 2008, Cessna delivered 1,301 aircraft, including 467 Citation business jets, and reported revenues of about $5.662 billion. Since the company was originally established in 1927, some 192,000 Cessna airplanes have been delivered around the world, including more than 6,000 Citations, making it the largest fleet of business jets in the world. More information about Cessna Aircraft Company is available at www.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. More information is available at www.textron.com.
Forward-looking Information: Certain statements in this release are forward-looking statements and speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the statements, including but not limited to the following: changes in worldwide economic and political conditions that impact demand for our products, interest rates and foreign exchange rates; the interruption of production at our facilities or at our suppliers' facilities; the timing of new product launches and certifications of new aircraft products; the occurrence of slowdowns or downturns in customer markets in which our products are sold or supplied; changes in aircraft delivery schedules or cancellation of orders; the launching of significant new products or programs which could result in unanticipated expenses; changes in national or international government policies on the export and import of commercial products; and bankruptcy or other financial problems at major suppliers that could cause disruptions in our supply chain.
"We have our work cut out for us – here in Australia, in the United States and around the globe," said Pelton. "Every region of the world has its own issues to deal with and each issue is complex, requiring dedicated and reasoned discussion among the principals."
Pelton said the three primary issues facing general aviation are requirements to enhance security and safety, the need to modernize the world's air traffic management system and rising environmental concerns.
"In all three cases, we know there will be new regulations," Pelton said. "But we must work closely with the government to ensure the regulations make sense for the way general aviation operates while providing real benefits. And we must make sure these issues are considered on a global scale; it's imperative we create multilateral policies to create a cohesive global industry."
Pelton also addressed the primarily American issue of the image of business aviation which came under attack the past year.
"The main reason for the inaccurate portrayal of business aircraft use is a lack of understanding of the benefits and scope of business aviation," Pelton said. "The truth is that there's an increased importance on business jets. Companies of all sizes, all around the world, fly many types of aircraft as they compete in a global marketplace that demands speed, flexibility, efficiency, security, confidentiality and productivity. For all of these reasons and more, general aviation has become essential to the world's transportation system and the global economy."
Pelton, in his first visit to Australia as Cessna CEO, said the company has had a long relationship with aviation in Australia. In addition to attending the RAAA event, Pelton used his visit to meet with dignitaries, customers and the company's authorized sales partners - Aeromil Pacific and Airflite Pty Ltd.
"It's clear that general aviation is a critical component of the national infrastructure in Australia, and it's wonderful to see groups like RAAA working to promote and maintain the industry," Pelton said.
"There's no doubt general aviation faces many near-term challenges, but in taking a long-term perspective, my outlook for the industry is positive and my vision is that the best is yet to come for the businesses, communities and families benefiting from general aviation," Pelton said. "Organizations such as RAAA here and GAMA, NBAA and AOPA in the U.S. are an important part of the solution – but they rely on participation from businesses and aircraft owner/operators. We all must be active in shaping future legislation in a way that protects our industry."
###
Based on unit sales, Cessna Aircraft Company is the world's largest manufacturer of general aviation airplanes. In 2008, Cessna delivered 1,301 aircraft, including 467 Citation business jets, and reported revenues of about $5.662 billion. Since the company was originally established in 1927, some 192,000 Cessna airplanes have been delivered around the world, including more than 6,000 Citations, making it the largest fleet of business jets in the world. More information about Cessna Aircraft Company is available at www.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. More information is available at www.textron.com.
Forward-looking Information: Certain statements in this release are forward-looking statements and speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the statements, including but not limited to the following: changes in worldwide economic and political conditions that impact demand for our products, interest rates and foreign exchange rates; the interruption of production at our facilities or at our suppliers' facilities; the timing of new product launches and certifications of new aircraft products; the occurrence of slowdowns or downturns in customer markets in which our products are sold or supplied; changes in aircraft delivery schedules or cancellation of orders; the launching of significant new products or programs which could result in unanticipated expenses; changes in national or international government policies on the export and import of commercial products; and bankruptcy or other financial problems at major suppliers that could cause disruptions in our supply chain.
