Textron Aviation expands global training reach with order of ten Cessna Skyhawks from Egyptian Aviation Academy
FARNBOROUGH INTERNATIONAL AIRSHOW, England (Jul. 21, 2026) — Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, today announced in coordination with Ariegsa Manufacturing the order of ten new Cessna Skyhawk 172 aircraft from the Egyptian Aviation Academy (EAA), one of the region’s oldest and most respected flight training institutions. Ariegsa Manufacturing is the prime contractor for this sale. The aircraft will support EAA’s fleet modernization to enhance pilot training capabilities and are scheduled for delivery through 2027.
The Cessna 172 is the most popular single-engine aircraft in aviation history because it’s considered the ideal choice for pilot training,Bob Gibbs, vice president, Special Missions Sales
“The Cessna 172 is the most popular single-engine aircraft in aviation history because it’s considered the ideal choice for pilot training,” said Bob Gibbs, vice president, Special Missions Sales. “We’re honored to be part of advancing the future of flight with the Egyptian Aviation Academy.”
The order adds to the EAA’s existing training fleet that includes Cessna Citation Mustang, Cessna Skyhawk, Beechcraft Baron and Beechcraft Bonanza aircraft. The organization’s fleet modernization efforts reinforce its commitment to advancing pilot training across the Middle East and Africa.
The Cessna 172 provides cadets with the reliability, ease of flight and advanced avionics necessary to meet international aviation standards and prepare for successful careers in both civil and commercial aviationCapt Ezzat Metwaly Ali, chairman, Egyptian Aviation Academy
“The Cessna 172 provides cadets with the reliability, ease of flight and advanced avionics necessary to meet international aviation standards and prepare for successful careers in both civil and commercial aviation,” said Capt Ezzat Metwaly Ali, chairman, Egyptian Aviation Academy. “The Egyptian Aviation Academy is proud to continue delivering world-class pilot training with a modernized piston fleet.”
The EAA is one of the oldest flight schools in the Middle East and Africa. It was founded in 1932 and is based in 6th of October City, Egypt. The academy is owned by the government and recognized by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) as a Regional Training Center.
The Cessna Skyhawk is considered the aircraft of choice for pilot training, and it is the most popular single-engine aircraft in aviation history. Since the aircraft first took flight in 1955, over 45,000 Skyhawks have been delivered to customers around the world – more than any other aircraft in the industry. The single-engine four-seat, high-wing Skyhawk is renowned for offering the best combination of modern features, including the Garmin G1000 NXi avionics with wireless connectivity, a standard angle-of-attack display system, and proven dependability. The aircraft also features a McCauley aluminum fixed pitch propeller.
When government, military and commercial customers want airborne solutions for critical missions, they turn to Textron Aviation. The company’s aviation solutions provide the high performance and flight characteristics required to address the unique challenges of special missions operations. With unparalleled quality, versatility and low operating costs, Textron Aviation products are chosen for air ambulance, ISR, utility transport, aerial survey, flight inspection, training and a number of other special operations.
We inspire the journey of flight. For more than 95 years, Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. company, has empowered our collective talent across the Beechcraft, Cessna and Hawker brands to design and deliver the best aviation experience for our customers. With a range that includes everything from business jets, turboprops, and high-performance pistons, to special mission, military trainer and defense products, Textron Aviation has the most versatile and comprehensive aviation product portfolio in the world and a workforce that has produced more than half of all general aviation aircraft worldwide. Customers in more than 170 countries rely on our legendary performance, reliability and versatility, along with our trusted global customer service network, for affordable and flexible flight. For more information, visit www.txtav.com.
Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell, Cessna, Beechcraft, Pipistrel, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, and Textron Systems. For more information, visit: www.textron.com.
Certain statements in this press release may project revenues or describe strategies, goals, outlook or other non-historical matters; these forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update them. These statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, changes in delivery schedules or cancellations or deferrals of orders.