Cessna Highlights Saudi Arabia as the "Market to Watch"

Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, is highlighting Saudi Arabia as the country

to lead the resurgence of the Middle East business aviation market.

Speaking today at the Dubai Airshow, Mark Paolucci, Cessna’s senior vice president for sales, said: “There is no denying the global recession has impacted the Middle East but the region’s economies remain fundamentally strong, with Saudi Arabia predominant. The country’s government and individual customers continue to be key players in the business jet market. Right now, we see Saudi Arabia as the greatest opportunity for sales in the region. We also believe that Citation jets are ideal for business aviation across the entire Middle East and North Africa. We also believe that Morocco is another great market that shows good potential for Cessna.”

Assessing the impact of the recession, Paolucci said: “The new commercial leaders in the Middle East want to balance their desire for the time-saving advantages of business aviation with a pragmatic evaluation of cost. Whether an owner is looking for short-range regional transportation with our entry-level Mustang or new M2, a mid-size aircraft capable of operating in demanding conditions like the XLS+, or rapid intercontinental travel with a Citation Ten, Cessna is able to provide a compelling solution.”

Paolucci added: “Alongside the comfort, performance and value of our aircraft, the quality of our customer field support is one of our major strengths. With an Authorized Citation Service Center in Riyadh and another center opening soon in Cairo, Cessna offers Middle East customers the peace of mind and convenience synonymous with Citation ownership.”