Cessna's growing sales of Citations in the Middle East have been boosted by new orders. Gulf Jet of Dubai has ordered one Sovereign and three Citation XLSs.

These orders came in addition to an order for seven new Citation business jets from Wallan Aviation, Cessna's authorised Middle East sales representative. Wallan Aviation placed 18 Cessna Citation business jets into the Middle East in 2005.

Roger Whyte, Cessna senior vice president sales and marketing, said the Sovereign's large stand-up cabin, advanced avionics and systems and range and performance, have proven popular.

The company has also announced that the Citation Sovereign, which was on display at the static park, will benefit from a payload increase of 300 lbs. The increase is available to all operators at no cost and with no modification requirements.

The aircraft now has an MTOW of 30,300 lbs, with a range of 2,881nm. There are currently more than 70 Sovereigns in active service throughout the world.