Textron Aviation announced significant enhancements to its iconic Cessna high-wing piston aircraft lineup — the Cessna Skyhawk, Cessna Skylane, Cessna Turbo Skylane and Cessna Turbo Stationair HD. Coming in 2024, customers will enjoy a range of new high tech standard features and sleek interior design options including modern and comfortable seating, updated instrument panels and new exterior paint styles.
“For decades, pilots have chosen the Cessna piston lineup for its durability, comfort and performance,” said Christi Tannahill, senior vice president, Customer Experience. “When designing the next interior for the iconic aircraft family, it was important that we include feedback from customers and fans. The result is a more modern, sporty feel that aligns with our family of Cessna Citation jets for the best aviation experience.”
The first change that customers will notice is an enhanced level of comfort and functionality throughout the aircraft. With new power headset jacks and charging ports at every seat (USB A and C device compatibility), upgraded seats with additional support and padding, and a brand-new center armrest for the Cessna Skylane, Turbo Skylane, and Turbo Stationair HD models, customers will experience a whole new level of excellence in flight.
The lineup also offers exceptional style with top-notch performance. From the sleek black instrument panel to the new side panels, window locks and air vents, the aircraft is designed to make the flying experience even more exciting. Owners can select from a variety of modern standard paint schemes to customise their aircraft and make it their own. With decades of impressive performance, powerful capability and low operating costs, the Cessna piston lineup is the perfect choice for aviators — whether they’re taking their first solo flight or charting their next big adventure.
“Cessna pistons inspire the journey of flight,” said Chris Crow, vice president, Textron Aviation Piston Sales. “If you’re a pilot, odds are that you learned how to fly in a Skyhawk. This investment demonstrates Textron Aviation’s continued enthusiasm for our piston aircraft lineup, and we are thrilled to see these aircraft continue to support pilots worldwide in their training ambitions or mapping their next adventure.”
New CoolView windows in Beechcraft King Air turboprops
Textron Aviation also announced an upgrade for its Beechcraft King Air 260 and 360 turboprops with the introduction of new CoolView windows to minimise heat transfer into the cabin on the ramp and offer an unprecedented level of passenger comfort and cabin cooling. Beginning in early 2024, all new King Air aircraft will be first in the category to be equipped with CoolView windows manufactured by Lee Aerospace. The introduction of CoolView windows reflects Textron Aviation’s commitment to innovative solutions that enhance the flying experience for both pilots and passengers. According to Lee Aerospace’s independent testing, the addition of a thin metallic inner layer, allows the windows to significantly reduce the amount of infrared light entering the cabin, ensuring a cooler and more comfortable environment during ramp operations.
“At Textron Aviation, we’re committed to incorporating the latest technology and customer feedback into our aircraft to deliver the best customer experience for owners, pilots and passengers,” said Lannie O’Bannion, senior vice president, Sales & Flight Operations. “The inclusion of CoolView windows in the Beechcraft King Air turboprops is a testament to our commitment to passenger comfort and our responsiveness to their ideas.”
The CoolView windows also feature a frost pane with an integrated window tint. This advanced design enhances visibility while reducing unwanted sunlight and glare, creating a pleasant and visually appealing cabin atmosphere for passengers and crew. The frost pane also helps reduce or eliminate unwanted ice buildup during long flights. Combined with Textron Aviation’s standard Electric Air Conditioning System with Ground Cooling in the King Air 360, the CoolView windows will help provide customers with a cool and comfortable cabin environment, even in challenging ramp conditions.