Duluth, Minn. (15 June 2015) – Cirrus Aircraft today announced its latest significant milestone: the customer delivery of its 6,000th new airplane. The accomplishment comes just 16 years after the company delivered its first production aircraft and on the heels of a strong 2014 performance where the SR-series of aircraft maintained its position as the best-selling four/five-place aircraft in the world for the 12th year in a row.
“Our customers, partners and employees are rightfully proud of this amazing accomplishment,” said Dale Klapmeier, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Cirrus Aircraft. “We started Cirrus Aircraft with the entrepreneurial dream of changing the world and making people’s lives better through aviation, and we are humbled today to see 6,000 of our airplanes operating in more than 60 countries around the world.”
Cirrus Aircraft is recognized globally for its relentless pursuit of aircraft safety, comfort and technology innovations. The Duluth, Minnesota based company has consistently pioneered the introduction of new features to the high performance piston market, including the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System® (CAPS®), pilot-friendly glass panel avionics, luxury automotive ergonomics, terrain warning systems, ice protection, synthetic vision, airbag seatbelts, global datalink weather/communications, electronic stability control and more. The original Cirrus SR20 was introduced in 1999, followed by the SR22 in 2001 and the turbocharged SR22T in 2010.
“Our passion and dedication at Cirrus are making aviation safer and more enjoyable for thousands of people,” continued Klapmeier. “I’m truly excited to see our team continue to change the world as we prepare for the introduction of the Vision SF50® Personal Jet and the opening of our Vision Center in Knoxville, TN.”
The Vision SF50 Personal Jet, with over 550 positions reserved, aims to revolutionize personal and regional business transportation. Three conforming prototype test aircraft have accumulated over 500 flight test hours and the first production aircraft is currently moving down the manufacturing line in Duluth, MN.
The recently announced Vision Center will be the flagship location for all Cirrus Aircraft Customer Experience activities including sales, delivery, training, maintenance, support, personalization, fixed base operations and more. It is scheduled to open in mid 2016.
The 6,000th aircraft boasts an eye-catching, aerodynamically inspired design and will be on display at this year’s EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, WI from 20-26 July at the Cirrus Aircraft tent (#183).
About Cirrus Aircraft
Cirrus Aircraft is a recognized leader in general aviation. Its all-composite line of personal aircraft – the SR20, SR22 and the turbocharged SR22T – incorporate innovative and advanced performance, electronic and safety technologies, including Cirrus Perspective™ by Garmin® avionics and the unique Cirrus Airframe Parachute System™ (CAPS). To date, total time on the worldwide Cirrus Aircraft SR-series fleet surpassed seven million flight hours with 105 people returned to their families as a direct result of CAPS being a standard safety feature on all Cirrus aircraft. The Cirrus Vision SF50, with over 550 production positions reserved, will provide a new personal and regional business transportation solution: the personal jet. The Vision Center in Knoxville, TN will be the flagship location for all Cirrus Aircraft Customer Experience activities including sales, delivery, training, maintenance, support, personalization, fixed base operations and more. All Cirrus aircraft are made in the U.S. with a direct sales force in North America and authorized sales centers covering export markets in 60 countries around the world. Cirrus Aircraft is wholly owned by China Aviation Industry General Aircraft Co., Ltd (CAIGA). For additional information on Cirrus and its products please visit cirrusaircraft.com.
CONTACT: Ben Kowalski, Vice President, Marketing +1.218.788.3435