Textron Aviation, a global leader in business and general aviation, continues to push the boundaries of aeronautical engineering and aerospace engineering. Headquartered in Wichita, Kansas, the company is renowned for its legendary aircraft brands such as Cessna, Beechcraft, and Hawker. Textron Aviation’s innovation and expertise in designing, manufacturing, and supporting business jets, turboprops, and piston aircraft make it a key player in the aviation industry.
Textron Aviation was established in March 2014 following Textron’s acquisition of Beech Holdings for $1.4 billion. The merger combined Beechcraft and Hawker’s product lines with Cessna under the newly formed Textron Aviation umbrella. While Hawker no longer produces new aircraft, Textron Aviation continues to support existing Hawker fleets through its global service centers. Since its formation, the company has focused on integrating the strengths of these historic brands to advance aeronautical and aerospace engineering.
In April 2022, Textron acquired Slovenian electric aircraft manufacturer Pipistrel to establish Textron eAviation, further expanding into electric aircraft development. The move demonstrates Textron’s forward-thinking approach, blending aeronautical expertise with sustainable technologies.
Textron Aviation has a significant global footprint, with aircraft operating in over 170 countries and more than 251,000 deliveries worldwide. The company has achieved over 100 million flight hours across its fleet, underscoring its impact on the general and military aviation markets.
Business Jets
Textron Aviation’s business jets, particularly from the Cessna Citation family, exemplify cutting-edge aeronautical engineering, delivering high performance, luxury, and advanced avionics.
Turboprops
The Beechcraft turboprop lineup is recognized for its versatility, durability, and efficient aerospace engineering, suitable for corporate, private, and utility aviation.
Piston Aircraft
Textron Aviation’s piston aircraft, including the world-famous Cessna Skyhawk, are some of the most utilized aircraft in general aviation. These models reflect high levels of aerospace engineering and are ideal for training, private use, and utility purposes.
Special Mission Aircraft
Textron Aviation also offers specialized aircraft for governmental, defense, and law enforcement missions, designed with sophisticated aerospace engineering capabilities.
Textron Aviation's diverse range of products, from Beechcraft and Cessna piston aircraft to military trainers and business jets, reflect its strong foundation in aerospace engineering. Each brand serves a different segment of the market but complements the overall Textron Aviation portfolio. Here's an overview of the company's key aircraft models:
Aircraft Model | First Flight | Number Built | Type |
---|---|---|---|
Beechcraft G36 Bonanza | 1945 | 17,000 | Light general aviation aircraft, 6-seat |
Beechcraft G58 Baron | 1960 | 6,691 | Twin piston light aircraft |
Beechcraft King Air | 1963 | 3,100+ | Turboprop general aviation aircraft |
Beechcraft Super King Air | 1972 | 3,550+ | Turboprop general aviation aircraft |
Beechcraft T-6 Texan II/AT-6 | 2000 | 850 | Military training aircraft/light attack |
Cessna 172 Skyhawk | 1955 | 43,000 | 4-seat light general aviation aircraft |
Cessna 182 Skylane | 1956 | 23,237 | 4-seat general aviation aircraft, 227-235 hp |
Cessna 206 | 1962 | 8,509 | 6-seat general aviation aircraft |
Cessna 208 Caravan | 1982 | 2,500+ | Commuter/general aviation aircraft |
Cessna 408 SkyCourier | 2020 | Ongoing | Cargo/general aviation aircraft |
Cessna Citation Excel | 1996 | 575 | Midsize business jet |
Cessna CitationJet | 1991 | 400 | Light business jet |
Cessna Citation Latitude | 2014 | Ongoing | Midsize business jet |
Cessna Citation Longitude | 2016 | Ongoing | Super midsize business jet |
Cessna Citation M2 | 2012 | Ongoing | Light business jet |
Cessna Citation Mustang | 2005 | 425 | Very light jet |
Cessna Citation Sovereign | 2002 | 300 | Midsize business jet |
Cessna Citation X | 1993 | 330 | Long-range business jet |
Textron Aviation stands at the forefront of aeronautical engineering and aerospace engineering, consistently integrating cutting-edge technology, advanced avionics, and materials science into their aircraft designs. Their jets and turboprops lead the industry in performance, range, and operational efficiency. Below is an overview of their key aircraft models, showcasing seating capacities and production milestones.
Aircraft Model | Seating Capacity | First Flight | Production End | Total Orders | Deliveries | In Operation |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cessna Citation M2 | 7 | 9 March 2012 | Ongoing | 400+ | 380+ | 360+ |
Beechcraft King Air 360/360ER | 11 | 14 July 2020 | Ongoing | 150+ | 120+ | 115+ |
Cessna 172 Skyhawk | 4 | 12 June 1955 | Ongoing | 44,000+ | 43,000+ | 42,000+ |
Beechcraft Baron G58 | 6 | 29 June 1969 | Ongoing | 6,800+ | 6,400+ | 6,000+ |
Cessna Grand Caravan EX | 14 | 22 April 1997 | Ongoing | 2,900+ | 2,700+ | 2,650+ |
Textron Aviation’s extensive global Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) network ensures peak performance and safety for all aircraft. Key MRO services include:
Textron Aviation provides dynamic career opportunities for engineers specializing in aeronautical engineering and aerospace engineering. Engineers can contribute to innovative aircraft development in several specialized domains:
Textron Aviation offers competitive salary packages, commensurate with experience and role:
Textron Aviation offers exciting career prospects for Indian professionals with a background in aerospace engineering and aeronautical engineering. The company welcomes global talent and provides opportunities to work on advanced aviation projects.
Textron Aviation provides support with work permits, visas, and relocation for Indian professionals aiming to work in the U.S., ensuring a smooth transition into the global aerospace industry.
Textron Aviation is a premier destination for Indian engineers and professionals passionate about contributing to the future of aerospace and aeronautical engineering.
Textron Aviation is a leading aircraft manufacturer specializing in business and general aviation, producing well-known brands like Cessna, Beechcraft, and Hawker.
Textron Aviation is headquartered in Wichita, Kansas, USA.
Textron Aviation produces aircraft under the Cessna, Beechcraft, and Hawker brands.
Textron Aviation manufactures business jets, turboprops, and piston-engine aircraft, including the Cessna Citation jets and Beechcraft King Air series.
Yes, Textron Aviation has a global presence with manufacturing facilities and service centers worldwide, serving customers across different regions.
The Cessna Citation Latitude and Citation Longitude are among the most popular business jets manufactured by Textron Aviation.
Textron Aviation focuses on optimizing performance, fuel efficiency, and comfort, integrating advanced avionics and materials into its aircraft designs.
Yes, Textron Aviation manufactures piston-engine aircraft such as the Cessna 172 Skyhawk and Cessna 182 Skylane, widely used in general aviation and flight training.
Yes, Textron Aviation offers comprehensive Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services through its global network of service centers.
Textron Aviation offers careers in aircraft design, avionics engineering, flight test engineering, and materials and structural engineering, among other areas.
A bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Aeronautical, Mechanical, Electrical, or Avionics Engineering is required, with advanced degrees preferred for research or leadership roles.
Engineers should have proficiency in CAD tools (like CATIA and AutoCAD), simulation software (MATLAB, ANSYS), avionics systems, and aerodynamics.
Fluency in English is mandatory, especially for international projects, while knowledge of additional languages may be advantageous for specific roles.
Yes, Textron Aviation offers numerous opportunities for Indian professionals in engineering, manufacturing, and other roles across its global operations.
Indian applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Aeronautical, Mechanical, Electrical, or Avionics Engineering, with relevant work experience and technical proficiency.