Textron Aviation's Cessna Citation Latitude has achieved type certification from the FAA. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in the third quarter of this year. The aircraft has a roomy, flat floor, stand-up cabin and offers what the company claims are best-in-class operating costs. "From inception, we looked at every aspect of how we design, build and deliver new products to the market with the goal to further improve upon the key attributes that make the Citation so highly esteemed," says Textron Aviation president and ceo Scott Donnelly.

"Throughout the certification programme, the Latitude demonstrated breakthrough results, which are evident in the aircraft's performance and value proposition. And now, customers can experience first-hand how the Latitude can reduce operating costs, while increasing productivity and profitability for their businesses."

The aircraft made its European debut at this year's EBACE. It has a range of 2,850 nm at long-range cruise and 2,700 nm at high-speed cruise, as well as improved runway performance of 3,580 feet. Among the first customers is NetJets; the operator has ordered up to 150 Latitudes, with deliveries beginning in 2016.