Textron Aviation is adding 16,000sq ft to its interior manufacturing facility in Wichita to support growing demand for unique and custom Cessna and Beechcraft aircraft interiors. The expansion enables the streamlining of production processes by centralising machinery within the space to support efficient interior manufacturing for its entire line up of Cessna Citation jets, as well as Beechcraft King Air and Cessna SkyCourier turboprop aircraft.

"Our highly skilled team designs each interior to create a customer's ideal aircraft environment and experience, such as relaxation, innovation or productivity,” says SVP, customer experience Christi Tannahill. “This expansion supports our team in exceeding our customers' expectations with unmatched quality, craftsmanship and efficiency.”

The larger footprint allows the company to support new models like the Cessna Citation M2 Gen2, CJ4 Gen2, Cessna SkyCourier, Beechcraft King Air 360 and King Air 260. Two products currently in development, the Cessna Citation Ascend and the Beechcraft Denali, will also be supported there once entered into service.

“At Textron Aviation, our commitment to excellence, innovation and the future of flight is leading the aviation industry,” says Brad White, senior vice president, operations. “Whether our employees work on the tip or the tail of an aircraft, or whether they're part of the engineering, design, delivery or servicing of an aircraft, they join in our legacy of success.”

Consistent with the company's commitment to sustainability, the facility upgrades include energy-saving LED lighting and high-efficiency systems. Construction on the expansion is expected to be completed mid-2024.