Leadership
All Leadership
Scott A. Ernest
President and Chief Executive Officer
Scott A. Ernest became president and chief executive officer of Cessna Aircraft Company, the world’s leading general aviation company, on May 31, 2011.
A native of Kansas, Scott has nearly three decades of aviation experience. He joins Cessna after a 29-year career at GE where he worked at GE Aviation, a $16 billion provider of jet engines, components and integrated systems for commercial and military aircraft.
Scott left GE Aviation as vice president and general manager of global supply chain, a role he accepted in 2003. Previously, he was vice president and general manager of global operations for engine services, having been appointed to that position as well as being named an officer of General Electric Company, in 2001.
His career at GE Aviation also included several general manager roles. He was promoted to manager for the Singapore service facility in 1993 and was named manager of the Winfield, Kan., facility in 1995. Scott accepted the position of general manager, sourcing in 1998.
Scott joined GE in 1982 through its Manufacturing Leadership Program after earning a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Akron and a master's degree in Engineering from the University of Cincinnati.
Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, is the world’s leading general aviation company, based on unit sales. Cessna has two principal lines of business: aircraft sales and aftermarket services. Aircraft sales include Citation business jets, Caravan single-engine utility turboprops, single-engine piston aircraft and lift solutions by CitationAir. Aftermarket services include parts, maintenance, inspection and repair services. In 2010, Cessna delivered 535 aircraft, including 179 Citation business jets, and reported revenues of $2.6 billion.
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Jim Walters
Senior Vice President, Human Resources
Jim Walters is senior vice president, Human Resources for Cessna Aircraft Company, the world’s leading manufacturer of general aviation aircraft. Headquartered in Wichita, Kan., Cessna has produced some 192,500 aircraft since its founding in 1927, including more than 6,100 Citations, making it the largest fleet of business jets in the world.
Prior to joining Cessna in 2001, Jim served as the director, Global Human Resources for John Deere Power Systems. In this role, he was responsible for all global human resource functions for units located in the United States, Mexico and France. He also held human resources leadership positions in China and Canada, bringing a global perspective to Cessna.
At Cessna, Jim is responsible for managing and directing all human resource functions including benefits, compensation and staffing, labor and employee relations, talent acquisition and development, government relations, internal communications and strategy development and deployment.
Jim has a degree in Business Administration from Niagara College, Canada, and is a certified Textron Six Sigma Green Belt. He serves as chair for the local Sedgwick County Technical Education and Training Authority. He also serves on the Kansas Chamber of Commerce board; Kansas Technical Training Initiative board, Wichita Area Technical College board of trustees; Wichita State University Business Advisory Council, United Way board of directors and the Wichita Chamber board of directors.
Jim and his wife, Josephine, have two sons, Jordan and Taylor.
Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, is the world’s leading general aviation company, based on unit sales. Cessna has two principal lines of business: aircraft sales and aftermarket services. Aircraft sales include Citation business jets, Caravan single-engine utility turboprops, single-engine piston aircraft and lift solutions by CitationAir. Aftermarket services include parts, maintenance, inspection and repair services. In 2010, Cessna delivered 535 aircraft, including 179 Citation business jets, and reported revenues of $2.6 billion.
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Dave Brant
Senior Vice President, Customer Service
Dave Brant is senior vice president, Customer Service for Cessna Aircraft Company, the world's leading manufacturer of general aviation aircraft. Headquartered in Wichita, Kan., Cessna has produced some 192,500 aircraft since its founding in 1927, including more than 6,100 Citations, making it the largest fleet of business jets in the world.
Dave joined Cessna in 1974 and served in various engineering capacities in design and flight test until 1980. Dave served as chief, Flight Test for Piper Aircraft and held various engineering and management positions at Learjet, including director of Aerospace Programs, vice president of Government Aircraft Programs, vice president of Product Development and ultimately he became vice president, Strategic Planning and New Business Development. Dave also served as senior vice president, Operations for Galaxy Aerospace before rejoining Cessna in 2001 as director, Airworthiness, Engineering Flight Test and Product Safety.
Dave was promoted to senior vice president, Product Engineering in January 2004. In this position, he was responsible for new aircraft development, certification, compliance, interior engineering, technical publications and product safety, as well as engineering product support for all aircraft in production and in service.
In July 2011, Dave assumed responsibility for Cessna's worldwide Customer Service organization that includes all factory owned service centers, authorized service centers, parts distribution and field service.
Dave has his Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) and multi-engine license. He is rated in various Citations and has more than 2,800 hours of flight time.
Dave has a bachelor's degree in Aeronautical Technology from Arizona State University and holds a Master of Science in Management from Friends University.
Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, is the world’s leading general aviation company, based on unit sales. Cessna has two principal lines of business: aircraft sales and aftermarket services. Aircraft sales include Citation business jets, Caravan single-engine utility turboprops, single-engine piston aircraft and lift solutions by CitationAir. Aftermarket services include parts, maintenance, inspection and repair services. In 2010, Cessna delivered 535 aircraft, including 179 Citation business jets, and reported revenues of $2.6 billion.
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Tom Wakefield
Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
Tom Wakefield is vice president, general counsel and secretary and one of three directors on the board of directors for Cessna Aircraft Company, the world’s leading manufacturer of general aviation aircraft.
Tom joined Cessna in 1975 as its product integrity counsel. During his career, he has held numerous positions of increasing responsibility. He was promoted to his current position of vice president, general counsel and secretary in 1995 and became a director on the board of directors of Cessna in 2005.
Tom is Cessna's chief legal officer and oversees all litigation and legal matters for Cessna. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Friends University in 1970, and he received a Juris Doctor degree from Washburn University in 1972. He was admitted to the Kansas Bar as a licensed practicing attorney in 1973.
He has received an Outstanding Service Award from the Kansas Bar Association. He was a past chairman of the Aviation Defense Managers Council; a former chairman of the board of directors and a current member of the Cessna Management Association; a current member of the product liability section of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association; a director and secretary of the Pawnee and Wallace Industrial Districts; and a former finance chair, president and director of the Harbor Isle Homeowners Association.
He and his wife, Janice, have two grown daughters.
Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, is the world’s leading general aviation company, based on unit sales. Cessna has two principal lines of business: aircraft sales and aftermarket services. Aircraft sales include Citation business jets, Caravan single-engine utility turboprops, single-engine piston aircraft and lift solutions by CitationAir. Aftermarket services include parts, maintenance, inspection and repair services. In 2010, Cessna delivered 535 aircraft, including 179 Citation business jets, and reported revenues of $2.6 billion.
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Eric Cardinali
Senior Vice President, Integrated Supply Chain
Eric Cardinali is senior vice president, Integrated Supply Chain for Cessna Aircraft Company, the world's leading manufacturer of general aviation aircraft. Headquartered in Wichita, Kan., Cessna has produced some 192,000 aircraft since its founding in 1927, including more than 6,000 Citations, making it the largest fleet of business jets in the world.
His responsibilities include strategic sourcing, quality, support services and all manufacturing operations in Wichita; Independence, Kan.; Columbus, Ga.; and Chihuahua, Mexico.
Eric joined Cessna in February 2010 after eight years with Textron Inc., where he served in many leadership roles within Jacobsen, E-Z-GO and Bell Helicopter. His most recent position was president of Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited, which he assumed in September 2008. In that role, he was responsible for all activity associated with production of Bell Helicopter's commercial products for global deliveries.
Eric has more than 20 years of experience in domestic and international manufacturing and sales, which includes three years in Brazil in the automotive industry.
Eric has a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Administration and a minor in Commercial Law. He and his wife have two sons.
Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, is the world’s leading general aviation company, based on unit sales. Cessna has two principal lines of business: aircraft sales and aftermarket services. Aircraft sales include Citation business jets, Caravan single-engine utility turboprops, single-engine piston aircraft and lift solutions by CitationAir. Aftermarket services include parts, maintenance, inspection and repair services. In 2010, Cessna delivered 535 aircraft, including 179 Citation business jets, and reported revenues of $2.6 billion.
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Eric Salander
Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
Eric Salander is senior vice president, chief financial officer and one of three directors on the board of directors for Cessna Aircraft Company, the world's leading manufacturer of general aviation aircraft.
In addition to his role on the Cessna Senior Leadership Team, Eric is a member of the Textron Finance Council.
Eric joined Cessna in February 2010 after serving as executive director of financial planning and analysis for Textron Inc. In this role, he was responsible for directing Textron's financial planning and analysis processes across all business units and corporate departments in support of the Textron's budgeting, financial reporting, management reporting, external communications and portfolio management activities.
Prior to joining Textron in May 2004, Eric was senior vice president of Finance for Textron Financial where he was responsible for all accounting and financial planning and analysis operations. He was an audit manager with Ernst & Young before joining Textron Financial.
Eric is a CPA and has a bachelor's degree in Business Administration along with a Master of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Rhode Island.
He is a graduate of the Textron/Wharton Global Leadership Forum at the University of Pennsylvania and Textron’s Executive Leadership Program at the Thunderbird School of Global Leadership.
Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, is the world’s leading general aviation company, based on unit sales. Cessna has two principal lines of business: aircraft sales and aftermarket services. Aircraft sales include Citation business jets, Caravan single-engine utility turboprops, single-engine piston aircraft and lift solutions by CitationAir. Aftermarket services include parts, maintenance, inspection and repair services. In 2010, Cessna delivered 535 aircraft, including 179 Citation business jets, and reported revenues of $2.6 billion.
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Brad Thress
Senior Vice President, Business Jets
Brad Thress is senior vice president, Cessna Business Jets at Cessna Aircraft Company, the world’s leading manufacturer of general aviation aircraft. Headquartered in Wichita, Kan., Cessna has produced some 192,500 aircraft since its founding in 1927, including more than 6,100 Citations, making it the largest fleet of business jets in the world.
In this role, Brad is responsible for profit and loss for the entire line of Citation business jets — from customer input and advanced design, to manufacturing, customer delivery and continued service and support.
Prior to assuming his current role in 2011, Brad was senior vice president of Customer Service, and held leadership positions in operations, engineering, marketing and flight operations.
Brad joined Cessna in 1992 as a demonstration pilot. He became product marketing manager for the Citation X in 1996. In 1999, Brad was promoted to program manager, responsible for development and certification of the Citation Sovereign. In 2002 he advanced to senior product director, responsible for the production line start-up for the Sovereign. Brad assumed the position of vice president, Quality in 2003 and was responsible for FAA compliance, process control and variation reduction initiatives. In 2006 he was named vice president, Component Operations, overseeing all manufacturing operations that supply components for aircraft assembly. In 2009 he became senior vice president of Customer Service where he led Cessna’s worldwide aftermarket business. He served as a pilot in the U.S. Air Force prior to joining Cessna.
Brad has a bachelor’s degree in Engineering from the University of Tennessee and a Master of Business Administration from Baker University. He holds several Citation type ratings.
Brad and his wife, Toni, have a son, Tyler, and a daughter, Blakeley.
Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, is the world’s leading general aviation company, based on unit sales. Cessna has two principal lines of business: aircraft sales and aftermarket services. Aircraft sales include Citation business jets, Caravan single-engine utility turboprops, single-engine piston aircraft and lift solutions by CitationAir. Aftermarket services include parts, maintenance, inspection and repair services. In 2010, Cessna delivered 535 aircraft, including 179 Citation business jets, and reported revenues of $2.6 billion.
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Bob King
Vice President and Chief Information Officer
Bob King is vice president, chief information officer at Cessna Aircraft Company, the leading worldwide manufacturer of general aviation aircraft. Headquartered in Wichita, Kan., Cessna has produced some 192,500 aircraft since its founding in 1927, including more than 6,100 Citations, making it the largest fleet of business jets in the world.
Bob is responsible for all information technology supporting Cessna's business, manufacturing and engineering needs. This includes, but is not limited to, alignment to business strategy, development of operational plans and IT program execution.
In addition to his role on the Cessna Senior Leadership Team, Bob is a member of the Textron Information Management Council.
Prior to joining Cessna in January 2011, Bob was chief technology officer for Textron. He led the enterprise architecture responsibilities of Textron's technology roadmap. He also led the enterprise Infrastructure Center of Excellence, which included responsibility for global service delivery and management of the infrastructure services contract with Computer Sciences Corporation. Prior to becoming CTO, Bob served as vice president and CIO for Textron's E-Z-GO business unit. Before joining Textron in 2003, Bob gained expertise in business process re-engineering, software development and large scale, international implementations by working in the manufacturing, logistics and banking/finance industries in both IT and operational capacities.
Bob has bachelor's degrees in Accounting and History from Muskingum University in New Concord, Ohio.
Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, is the world’s leading general aviation company, based on unit sales. Cessna has two principal lines of business: aircraft sales and aftermarket services. Aircraft sales include Citation business jets, Caravan single-engine utility turboprops, single-engine piston aircraft and lift solutions by CitationAir. Aftermarket services include parts, maintenance, inspection and repair services. In 2010, Cessna delivered 535 aircraft, including 179 Citation business jets, and reported revenues of $2.6 billion.
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Jodi Noah
Vice President, Single Engine/Propeller Aircraft
Jodi Noah is vice president, Cessna Single Engine/Propeller Aircraft at Cessna Aircraft Company, the world’s leading manufacturer of general aviation aircraft. Headquartered in Wichita, Kan., Cessna has produced some 192,500 aircraft since its founding in 1927, including more than 6,100 Citations, making it the largest fleet of business jets in the world.
In this role, Jodi is responsible for profit and loss for the Single Engine/Propeller business unit — from customer input and advanced design, to manufacturing, customer delivery and continued service and support.
Jodi joined Cessna in 1993 as an associate accountant and progressed into positions of increasing responsibility in finance. Prior to assuming her current role in 2011, she was vice president of Finance Business Operations.
Jodi has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration/Accounting from the University of Kansas, and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Tennessee. Jodi and her husband, Craig, have a son, Matthew.
Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, is the world’s leading general aviation company, based on unit sales. Cessna has two principal lines of business: aircraft sales and aftermarket services. Aircraft sales include Citation business jets, Caravan single-engine utility turboprops, single-engine piston aircraft and lift solutions by CitationAir. Aftermarket services include parts, maintenance, inspection and repair services. In 2010, Cessna delivered 535 aircraft, including 179 Citation business jets, and reported revenues of $2.6 billion.
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Cindy Halsey
Vice President, Interior Design, Engineering and Development
Cindy Halsey is vice president, Interior Design, Engineering and Development for Cessna Aircraft Company, the leading worldwide manufacturer of general aviation aircraft. Headquartered in Wichita, Kan., Cessna has produced some 192,500 aircraft since its founding in 1927, including more than 6,100 Citations, making it the largest fleet of business jets in the world.
Cindy is responsible for leading Cessna’s interior design, interior engineering and industrial design functions for all Cessna products. This includes the development of interior design concepts for new models, product mock-ups, customer/designer interaction and presentation materials used during the Citation business jet specification process.
Before expanding her responsibilities in 2001, Cindy served as director, Interior Design, implementing a customer-focused design organization to better support the sales and marketing of the Citation line of business aircraft. Her main emphasis was to develop and recruit the right talent capable of enhancing new product development and ensuring the future competitiveness of the Citation products.
Prior to joining Cessna, Cindy spent 13 years serving in a variety of general aviation management positions before opening her own aircraft completions consultant business.
Cindy is a graduate of the University of North Texas and has a bachelor’s degree in Design and Architecture. She has completed the Textron Executive Leadership Program at the Thunderbird School of Global Leadership and is a certified Textron Six Sigma Green Belt.
Cindy resides in Wichita with her husband, Larry, and 14-year-old son, Evan. Their older son, Ryan, recently completed a graduate film degree program in Vancouver, British Columbia, and now resides in Albuquerque, N.M., managing a production and film studio business.
Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, is the world’s leading general aviation company, based on unit sales. Cessna has two principal lines of business: aircraft sales and aftermarket services. Aircraft sales include Citation business jets, Caravan single-engine utility turboprops, single-engine piston aircraft and lift solutions by CitationAir. Aftermarket services include parts, maintenance, inspection and repair services. In 2010, Cessna delivered 535 aircraft, including 179 Citation business jets, and reported revenues of $2.6 billion.
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Michael Thacker
Vice President, Engineering
Michael Thacker is vice president, Engineering for Cessna Aircraft Company, the world’s leading manufacturer of general aviation aircraft. Headquartered in Wichita, Kan., Cessna has produced some 192,500 aircraft since its founding in 1927, including more than 6,100 Citations, making it the largest fleet of business jets in the world.
As vice president of Engineering, Michael is responsible for new aircraft development, certification, compliance, technical publications and product safety, as well as engineering product support for all aircraft in production and in service.
Michael started with Cessna in 1993 as an engineer in propulsion integration. Since then, he has held various positions of increasing responsibility in engineering and functional and program management. Prior to being promoted to vice president in July 2011, Michael held the position of director of research and advanced technology since 2008. In that role, he managed and directed new product and technology development programs and processes. His responsibilities included product and technology strategy and program initiation and execution. In addition, he led the aerodynamics function for all products and phases of maturity.
Michael holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University. He also holds Master of Science and Bachelor of Science degrees in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Kansas.
He resides in Kansas with his wife, Antje, and their nine children. The family enjoys classical music and outdoor activities.
Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, is the world’s leading general aviation company, based on unit sales. Cessna has two principal lines of business: aircraft sales and aftermarket services. Aircraft sales include Citation business jets, Caravan single-engine utility turboprops, single-engine piston aircraft and lift solutions by CitationAir. Aftermarket services include parts, maintenance, inspection and repair services. In 2010, Cessna delivered 535 aircraft, including 179 Citation business jets, and reported revenues of $2.6 billion.
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Trevor Esling
Vice President, International Sales - EMMA
Trevor Esling is vice president, Vice President, Sales for EMAA (Europe, Middle East, Africa & Asia) for Cessna Aircraft Company. Based in Farnborough, U.K., Trevor is responsible for the international sales of Citations, Cessna’s line of business jets. He joined the company in 1995 as a division sales director for Citations and was promoted to vice president in July 2005.
Trevor earned a degree in Economics from Lancaster University (U.K.), and in 1985 he started his career with British Aerospace PLC. He held positions of increasing responsibility culminating in the role of vice president, international sales for the Corporate Aircraft Division. Trevor left British Aerospace to join Raytheon Aircraft Company, where he was regional vice president for sales from 1994-95.
Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, is the world’s leading general aviation company, based on unit sales. Cessna has two principal lines of business: aircraft sales and aftermarket services. Aircraft sales include Citation business jets, Caravan single-engine utility turboprops, single-engine piston aircraft and lift solutions by CitationAir. Aftermarket services include parts, maintenance, inspection and repair services. In 2010, Cessna delivered 535 aircraft, including 179 Citation business jets, and reported revenues of $2.6 billion.
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Tim White
Vice President, Sales - the Americas
Tim White is vice president of Sales-the Americas for Cessna Aircraft Company.
Tim leads the sales force in North America, Central America and South America for all Cessna products. Prior to taking this post in December 2011, Tim was Cessna’s Regional Vice President of Sales for the Central and Northwestern United States and Western Canada.
A 20 year industry veteran Tim joined Cessna in February 1998 as the Citation Regional Sales Manager for Canada and has held several positions within the sales organization with increasing responsibility. Prior to Cessna he started his career with AlliedSignal Aerospace.
A graduate of the University of Missouri, Tim is an active licensed pilot with a Citation type rating.
Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, is the world’s leading general aviation company, based on unit sales. Cessna has two principal lines of business: aircraft sales and aftermarket services. Aircraft sales include Citation business jets, Caravan single-engine utility turboprops, single-engine piston aircraft and lift solutions by CitationAir. Aftermarket services include parts, maintenance, inspection and repair services. In 2010, Cessna delivered 535 aircraft, including 179 Citation business jets, and reported revenues of $2.6 billion.
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Dianne White
Vice President, Corporate Communications
Dianne White is Vice President, Corporate Communications for Cessna Aircraft Company.
Dianne is an aviation enthusiast with a breadth of communication experience. Most recently, she served as editor of Twin & Turbine and CJ magazines. Her early career was spent working at advertising/public relations agencies and she has served as a communications consultant for numerous aviation companies including Cessna.
Dianne is a graduate of the University of Missouri School Of Journalism. She is a multi-engine, instrument-rated pilot.
Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, is the world’s leading general aviation company, based on unit sales. Cessna has two principal lines of business: aircraft sales and aftermarket services. Aircraft sales include Citation business jets, Caravan single-engine utility turboprops, single-engine piston aircraft and lift solutions by CitationAir. Aftermarket services include parts, maintenance, inspection and repair services. In 2010, Cessna delivered 535 aircraft, including 179 Citation business jets, and reported revenues of $2.6 billion.
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Bill Anderson
Vice President, Military & Government Programs
Bill Anderson is vice president, Military & Government Programs for Cessna Aircraft Company, the world's leading manufacturer of general aviation aircraft. Headquartered in Wichita, Kan., Cessna has produced some 192,500 aircraft since its founding in 1927, including more than 6,100 Citations, making it the largest fleet of business jets in the world.
Prior to joining Cessna in October 2011, Bill was the Program Director for all unmanned aerial systems at Bell Helicopter.
Bill has an extensive military career, his assignments included serving as the advisor to the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition where he gained valuable insight into major acquisition programs including the V-22, F-35 and VH-71. He also led a multi-disciplined, industrial aviation organization valued at more than $1 billion and employing more than 1,000 team members. His squadron was recognized as the USMC’s best aviation logistics squadron for superior leadership, logistics expertise, innovation and accomplishments.
Bill has a bachelor’s degree in Physical Science from the United States Naval Academy and a master’s degree in management from the National Defense University, Industrial College of the Armed Forces, Washington D.C.
Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, is the world’s leading general aviation company, based on unit sales. Cessna has two principal lines of business: aircraft sales and aftermarket services. Aircraft sales include Citation business jets, Caravan single-engine utility turboprops, single-engine piston aircraft and lift solutions by CitationAir. Aftermarket services include parts, maintenance, inspection and repair services. In 2010, Cessna delivered 535 aircraft, including 179 Citation business jets, and reported revenues of $2.6 billion.
