Cessna Aircraft Company is celebrating this week as the first production Citation Latitude is rolled out at the Kansas manufacturing facility after just three years since it was first announced to the business aviation marketplace.

FAA type certification can now proceed to the next level and is hoped for by the summer of this year.

The Latitude’s assembly has included a host of technological advancements for the industry and has been an exciting process with the latest automated robotics systems and ergonomic tooling stations.

Scott Ernest, president and Cessna CEO is delighted with their progress, “Our product investments extend beyond design and performance features of the aircraft with innovations in our manufacturing process,” he said. “The Citation Latitude team has redefined what customers should expect from a business aircraft in this segment, while also redefining the aircraft build process.”

Since making its public debut last year at the National Business Aviation Association Convention, the Latitude has been touring and making customer demonstration flights, clocking up 500 flights and 1,200 hours over the four flying aircraft.