Strong 2015 Performance as Vision Jet Accelerates Towards First Customer Delivery
February 10, 2016
Duluth, Minn. (10 February 2016) – Cirrus Aircraft today announced that new aircraft shipments in 2015 exceeded 300 for the second year in a row as the Cirrus SR22 maintained its position as the best-selling airplane in its segment for the thirteenth consecutive year. New unit deliveries for 2015 totaled 301 while the global Cirrus fleet surpassed 6,200 total SR aircraft and amassed over seven million flight hours. In addition to new SR series deliveries, the revolutionary Vision® Jet program continued progress toward first customer deliveries in 2016.
“2015 was a strong year for the enterprise, both for new aircraft deliveries and for the investments we made for the future,” said Todd Simmons, President of Customer Experience at Cirrus Aircraft. “Delivering over 300 SR airplanes for the second year in a row is an impressive accomplishment, especially in light of some very challenging economic conditions in many export markets. Even so, Cirrus pilots, owners and small business operators continue to demand the unique and innovative options and features available only in the Cirrus high-performance, single-engine piston product line.” Simmons added, “Just as important as new aircraft deliveries in 2015, major milestones were also achieved in the Vision Jet program while we broke ground on the Vision Center™ – our new Customer Experience center in Knoxville, Tennessee. 2016 sets up to be another exciting year for Cirrus Aircraft’s customers, partners and team members.”
Vision Jet Program Accelerates Towards First Customer Delivery
The Vision Jet program continues marching towards first customer delivery as progress continues on systems testing and integration of the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System® (CAPS®). Numerous significant milestones were accomplished in 2015, including FAR Subpart B flight characteristics testing, flight load static testing, ultimate load parachute testing and more. Cirrus also unveiled the Perspective Touch™ by Garmin® flight deck and opened new facilities in Duluth for Vision Jet production. With over 550 orders, certification is planned for the first half of 2016 with deliveries set to begin shortly thereafter.
Vision Center Breaks Ground in Tennessee
In May 2015, Cirrus announced expansion plans that included creating a new Customer Experience center in Knoxville, Tennessee called the Vision Center. As the flagship location for all Cirrus pilot, owner and customer activities, it will encompass Vision Jet and SR series training, sales, delivery, maintenance, support, personalization, fixed base operations and more. Groundbreaking of the Vision Center campus occurred in November 2015, with the opening of the new Factory Service Center scheduled for mid-2016 and the complement of full customer services, including delivery and training, opening in early 2017.
2016 All-Digital, Generation 5 Aircraft
For 2016, Cirrus thoughtfully incorporated new colors, unique exterior designs, premium interior materials, as well as industry-leading convenience and safety features to embrace each owner’s individual style into the SR series. Convenience has been incorporated into the aircraft at every turn with remote keyless entry, Bluetooth® connectivity throughout the cabin, new headset and mobile device storage solutions and convenience lighting illuminating the cabin, baggage compartment and exterior steps. New enhanced safety features include an Angle of Attack indicator for all FIKI aircraft displayed on the PFD and ADS-B “In” capability providing additional traffic and weather information to the pilot. Garmin Flight Stream technology is also incorporated, connecting the pilot’s mobile device wirelessly to the flight deck to seamlessly exchange and display a wide array of flight information including flight plans, traffic and weather. The 2016 All-Digital, Generation 5 aircraft has again set the bar as the world’s premium personal lifestyle and mobility solution.
Global Flight Training Programs Select Cirrus for Training Fleets
Emirates Airline and St. Louis University’s Parks College of Engineering, Aviation and Technology both selected Cirrus Aircraft to provide technologically advanced aircraft for their flight training fleets in 2015. Cirrus aircraft were selected for the two elite training programs because they offer advanced, easy-to-fly aircraft perfectly suited for preparing students to pilot tomorrow’s commercial airliners, military and general aviation aircraft. The partnership with Emirates marked a significant milestone for Cirrus as it represents the first fleet sold to a global airline for use in training.
Cirrus Continues Team 99 Sponsorship in Red Bull Air Race World Championship
Cirrus will again be a part of the Red Bull Air Race World Championship and proud supporter of Team 99 and Master Class Pilot Michael Goulian for the full 2016 season. The action packed series will make eight stops around the globe, and Cirrus will host events at the Ascot, United Kingdom; Spielberg, Austria; Las Vegas, Nevada and Indianapolis, Indiana championship races.
Cirrus Delivers 6,000th New Aircraft and Introduces Special Editions Australis™ and Kalahari™
In addition to delivering the eye-catching and celebrated 6,000th new customer aircraft in 2015, Cirrus also introduced two new Special Edition aircraft for operators in Australia and Africa. Tailored specifically to the climate, conditions and remote flight operations that pilots in these regions regularly experience, the Australis and Kalahari demonstrate Cirrus’ dedication to creating an aviation experience that is the pinnacle of innovation, quality and safety for customers throughout the world.
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 120 people returned to their families as a direct result of CAPS being a standard safety feature on all Cirrus aircraft. The Cirrus Vision Jet, 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 agents covering export markets in 60 countries around the world. Cirrus Aircraft is wholly owned by China Aviation Industry General Aircraft Co., Ltd (CAIGA). Referenced Cirrus trademarks are owned by Cirrus Industries, Inc. or its subsidiaries. All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks and service marks are the properties of their respective owners. All rights reserved.
For additional information on Cirrus and its products please visit cirrusaircraft.com.
CONTACT: Ben Kowalski, Vice President, Marketing +1.218.788.3435