Announcement from Cessna of Nine AirSprint Citation Business Jets

Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. company, in conjunction with Innotech-Execaire, Cessna’s authorized sales representative in Canada, announced an agreement with AirSprint Private Aviation, based in Calgary, Alberta, for a minimum of nine Citation CJ2+ aircraft. Indicating an agreement total value of approximately $60 million, as the present retail price per unit is nearly $6.

The addition of the CJ2+ is positioned to support AirSprint’s focus on boutique customer service and regional private air travel. John Young, Cessna vice president of regional sales said ‘the CJ2+ is a the right blend of efficiency, performance, comfort and reliability to fulfil AirSprint’s mission of providing a flying experience for their clients that is exceptionally safe and convenient for both work and leisure,’  he continued. ‘Of all the business jets purchased by the fractional/charter industry, nearly half are Cessna aircraft.’

AirSprint has operated since 1999 and is currently the largest fractional provider in Canada. They will use their CJ2+ aircraft to grow their fractional services in North America. Within the next 2 to 3 years the CJ2+ aircraft will replace AirSprint’s current Pilatus PC12 turboprop aircraft.

Chris Richer, President of AirSprint said ‘Our clients are very pleased with the balance of range, speed and efficiency that the CJ2+ offers as an alternative to our current fleet of Pilatus PC12 turboprop aircraft,’ he went on to say ‘Our clients are innovators, company builders, philanthropists and leaders in the local and global community – the CJ2+ will aid them in making those endeavours a great success. We are continuing to focus on safety, personalized customer service and making this transition in partnership with our clients. AirSprint’s experience with Cessna and Innotech-Execaire in the operation of seven Citation Excel/XLS mid-size jets gave us great confidence that we have the backing of a strong manufacturer.’

Powered by two Williams FJ44-3A power plants, each generating 2,490 pounds of thrust, the Citation CJ2+ is part of the Cessna Citation family of business jets. It holds six passengers in the main cabin and has a 1,600-nautical mile range and a top speed of 418 knots.