Textron Aviation landed an order from long-time Cessna customer Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) for three Citation X+s on Wednesday at NBAA 2016. The order builds on a 20-year relationship between the companies. SEL has owned an all-Citation fleet since 1999 and acquired its first Citation X, the predecessor of the X+, in 2002.
Pullman, Wash.-based SEL designs and builds digital systems that protect power grids, and it has customers in 148 countries. “The Citation X+ is a business tool that allows us to serve our customers around the world,” said company president and chairman Edmund Schweitzer. “The X+ provides a total cost of ownership that makes sense.” Schweitzer also cited Cessna’s customer service in its decision to keep the all-Citation fleet.
“SEL is a great example of a company that recognizes the importance of business aviation and the profound impact it can have to reach the global customer base,” said Textron Aviation president and CEO Scott Ernest.
The Citation X+ succeeded the X on the production line in 2014, reclaiming the title of the fastest business jets on the market with a certified top speed of Mach 0.935. It has a 3,460-nm range and can seat 12 passengers. Cessna updated the flight deck in the X+ with Garmin G5000 avionics and autothrottles.
