Cessna cuts production and ends Encore+ line

And with the latest CJ4 aircraft progressing through its flight test programme, the Wichita based company will end the production of the successful Citation Encore series. The last of these Citation 500 series aircraft will be delivered in July.
Cessna president, Jack Pelton told employees today, “This continues to be a difficult and tenuous times.” He also told staff that the Citation Columbus project is also being delayed. “The economic issues facing us today are also impacting the future, and circumstances have caused us to extend the engineering development work on the Citation Columbus by at least six months.” Entry into service will now be 2015.
The original production target for 2009 was set at 535 Citations. The latest production cuts have led to a revised target of 375. The company also plans production of 125 turboprop Cessna Caravans and 565 single engine piston aircraft.