Textron Aviation strengthens service network for European operators

Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, today at the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE) reiterated the continued investments and ongoing momentum in the company’s service organization since the debut of Textron Aviation.

“As the leader in business and general aviation, we have more than 200,000 operators depending on us to keep them flying,” said Brad Thress, senior vice president, Customer Service. “With our second largest fleet concentration in Europe, we are focused on elevating our service and support for all customers in the region.”

Centralizing European parts distribution

The company is increasing parts inventory for all aircraft models  at its Dusseldorf, Germany, distribution center to ensure factory service and parts are conveniently available to operators in Europe. The inventory is cleared through customs into the European Union and available for immediate use, resulting in faster delivery and fewer fees for customers.

“Nothing is more important to keeping our customers’ aircraft in the air than having the right part at the right time. Further streamlining our parts distribution and adding inventory will translate to improved accessibility benefitting operators in the region,” said Thress.

Supporting regional mandates requirements

Textron Aviation will soon offer TCAS II 7.1 upgrades for early model Cessna Citation business jets. This upgrade will allow operators of applicable aircraft to comply with European airspace requirements by the end of 2015. Starting on Dec. 1, 2015, all aircraft already equipped with TCAS and weighing more than 5,700 kg will be required to have the version 7.1 software upgrade to the Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) in order to operate in European airspace. Following certification, Textron Aviation will issue a service bulletin for eligible older Citations and begin upgrades at its company-owned service centers.

Embracing customer feedback

Last week, Textron Aviation held its first Customer Conference for European operators of  Beechcraft, Cessna and Hawker aircraft at its Valencia, Spain service center.  The company also held a customer conference earlier this month at its headquarters in Wichita, Kansas, where it welcomed more than 500 aircraft operators. Similar forums are planned throughout the remainder of 2015 around the globe. Textron Aviation also recently opened a larger, state-of-the-art Paris Service Center at Paris-Le Bourget Airport, boasting complete maintenance and repair capability for Citation and Hawker business jets and Beechcraft King Air turboprops.

About Textron Aviation Service

Textron Aviation, through its Beechcraft, Cessna and Hawker brands, is renowned for its unrivaled global service network dedicated to complete life-cycle support. Textron Aviation’s business jet and turboprop aircraft product support organization includes a worldwide network of authorized service centers and 21 company-owned facilities with thousands of expert service engineers offering maintenance, inspections, parts, repairs, avionic upgrades, equipment installations, refurbishments and other specialized services. Textron Aviation also offers Airespond, a mobile service program featuring more than 60 mobile service units, support aircraft, and on-site service technicians and support.