After initially suspending the Cessna Hemisphere in April 2018, there was speculation that Textron may cancel the program altogether. However, Textron Aviation has reported that the project has simply been put on hold. Textron Aviation CEO Scott Donnelly cited manufacturer delays and engine performance concerns as the chief reason for suspension. The Cessna Hemisphere remains in the realm of ‘what could be’ as it has been touted as the next big winner in the category of large-cabin jets.
The early indicators of a market leader
Announced in 2015 at the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) conference, the Cessna Hemisphere was set to be a triumphant return to the skies for bigger Cessna jets after canceling its anticipated Columbus six years prior. It was well received and much anticipated, boasting the widest cabin in its class and seating for 19.
Behind plenty of industry hype, Textron announced a partnership with engine maker Safran in 2016, pledging to outfit its jets with the company’s new Silvercrest engines. But these engines would eventually become its undoing.
Troubled engines won’t fly
At the time the partnership was announced, Safran’s Silvercrest engines were still in development. As final designs were mounted on the airframe, problems began to take shape.
Initially, the Silvercrest engines responded poorly to commands during high-altitude tests. Then, issues with pressure losses exacerbated engine performance over extended ranges. Safran made modifications, but to no avail. Ground tests continued to show performance issues in key areas like fuel economy ― a must-win column for Textron.
Ultimately, Textron decided to terminate its partnership with Safran in 2018. Textron CEO Scott Donnelly points to engine inadequacy as the sole reason for parting ways, claiming “it was purely the engine.” The Silvercrest engine failed to meet key performance benchmarks that would’ve set the Hemisphere apart as a standalone competitor in the large-cabin class. Larger engines, like the PW800 commonly used on bigger airframes, weren’t an option due to issues with fuel economy. Without the Silvercrest engine, Textron put the Hemisphere on hold.
Is there more to the story?
The failure of the Silvercrest engine to perform to Textron’s standards is a cut-and-dry reason to suspend the project. But the staunchness of those performance standards may have a bigger backstory.
Textron is well known for its small and midsize jets. The Hemisphere would’ve been its first major foray into a competitive large-cabin jet, which would’ve immediately put it in the ring with the likes of Gulfstream, Dassault, and Bombardier. Without the ability to trump established large-cabin jets on metrics like fuel economy and range, the Hemisphere may have fallen flat in this new category.
Knowing this, Textron was banking on the innovations of the Silvercrest engine to power it past the competition. When it failed, Textron had no choice but to put the project on hold.
Is there a Hemisphere in the future?
This isn’t the first time engine troubles halted a private aircraft in development. The Dassault Falcon 5X fell to the same type of problems in 2017 ― also banking on the Silvercrest engine. Despite the failings of the Falcon 5X, the Falcon 6X is scheduled to fly in 2021. Is this what the future has in store for the Hemisphere?
It’s unclear. Textron’s focus continues to be on small and medium-sized cabins. However, Donnelly commented recently that the program could be revisited given the state of the market, competitive landscape, and of course, proven engine performance. In the meantime, Textron is likely to focus on its other pipeline projects: The Cessna Citation Longitude business jet, Cessna Denali turboprop, and the Cessna SkyCourier (fleet).
The expert jet brokers at L & L International are here to help you acquire the perfect jet. Need to sell your jet? We can assist with that, too. Contact the private aviation professionals for information on how to get started.
Cessna’s Citation family of business jets has been a popular choice in business aviation of late. The most recent models, Latitude and Longitude, provide the quality, comfort, and performance private and business jet owners expect. Here’s a look at why these models are getting so much attention from those in the aviation industry.
Source: cessna.txtav.com
Citation Longitude
Cessna and parent company Textron Aviation’s new super-midsize Citation Longitude is in full production with FAA certification coming soon. The company completed a 31,000-nautical-mile tour last month to introduce its features and capabilities to the market.
Building on the success of the Citation Latitude, the Longitude is Cessna’s biggest jet to date. It sports a large cabin with a 6-foot ceiling and customizable interior configuration capable of seating 12 passengers. Those passengers can control the cabin management system via a mobile device app. The jet is also complete with a walk-in luggage compartment accessible during flight. Quiet flights combined with such amenities and a lower cabin altitude provide a comfortable, relaxing ride, especially on longer legs.
The Longitude’s Honeywell HTF7700L turbofan engines provide superior performance as well as a 3,500-nautical-mile range with four passengers on board. Features include a Garmin 65000 avionics suite with head-up display and enhanced vision capability. Another perk is the jet’s maintenance requirements. Designers made the aircraft as efficient as possible, increasing the maintenance interval to 800 hours or 18 months. The Longitude will have an estimated $27 million list price, according to the AIN article.
Source: cessna.txtav.com
Citation Latitude
Although most of the recent buzz about the Citation line has been centered around the Longitude’s upcoming entry into service, the Citation Latitude has been making headlines as well. In 2017, deliveries of Cessna’s popular Latitude midsize business jet increased 30% over the previous year, making it the most-delivered midsize business jet for two years running. The Latitude’s success is revitalizing the business jet market and is a clear validation of the company’s innovative product development strategy.
Praised for both comfort and performance, the 9-passenger Latitude has a spacious cabin and offers passengers 30 inches of legroom, a 6-foot-high ceiling, and a lavatory 60% larger than others in its class. It also has the lowest cabin altitude in its class at just under 6,000 feet. In addition, its fuel-efficient Pratt & Whitney PW306D1 engines provide a 2,700-nautical-mile range with four passengers on board.
If you’re looking to purchase a new business jet, it’s difficult to go wrong with the best-selling Latitude or the new-to-market Longitude. However, it’s important you choose the aircraft that best fits your needs and budget.
Perhaps a preowned Cessna is a better option for you. Wherever you are in the buying process, a professional aircraft broker can help you sort out all the details to find the right new or preowned jet for you or your business.
Contact the experts at L & L International if you need assistance acquiring or selling a private jet.
There’s a lot going on in the private and business aviation industry: Many soon-to-be-released luxury jets are about to enter the market, pre-owned jet prices are stabilizing, and the ADS-B mandate deadline looms. Here’s an overview of what’s happening and what it means for those trying to decide whether to purchase new aircraft, go with pre-owned models, or upgrade their current jets.
New models
Quite a lot of buzz surrounds new luxury jet models coming soon to market. Here’s a taste of what’s on the horizon for those looking to purchase a new high-end aircraft:
Boeing 787 Dreamliner – Source: Boeing
Boeing 787 Dreamliner — If you demand nothing less than the height of luxury, the VVIP Dreamliner might be the next jet for you. With the ability to fly nonstop for more than 17 hours, this model provides flyers plenty of time to enjoy its more than 2,400 square feet of cabin space with heated marble floors, a king-size bed, walk-in closet, and full-size shower. If you want to test it out before buying, you can charter this penthouse in the sky for you and 39 of your closest friends for a mere $70,000 per hour.
Embraer Legacy 500 – Source: Flyingmag.com
Embraer Legacy 500 and 450 — Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer’s Legacy 500 and its slightly shorter sister, the Legacy 450, are some of the fastest jets in the midsize and “mid light” aircraft categories, delivering a high-speed cruise of Mach 0.79 to 0.82, respectively. They are some of only under-$50 million jets that feature full fly-by-wire flight controls. The Legacy 450, with a range of 1,300 nautical miles (nm), has a cabin four feet shorter than the 500, which has a 3,000-nautical-mile range. Both feature superb passenger comfort, low turbulence, and low noise levels.
Gulfstream G500 – Source: Wikipedia
Gulfstream G500 — Gulfstream’s long-range, large-cabin business jet is scheduled to enter into service in 2019. Its Pratt & Whitney Canada PW814GA engines reduce fuel consumption as well as cut emissions and noise. It sports 27-inch-wide seats with footrests for extra comfortable rides for as many as 19 passengers and includes a large, fully equipped galley. The G500 has a range of 5,200 nm and offers a state-of-the-art Wi-Fi and entertainment system as well as full digital fly-by-wire flight controls.
Pilatus PC-24 – Source: Wikipedia
Pilatus PC-24 — The PC-24 super versatile jet is the first business jet from Swiss manufacturer Pilatus Aircraft. The 10-passenger aircraft, for which deliveries began in January 2018, has a list price of just under $9 million. Its large aft door can handle standard cargo pallets, it flies as fast as 440 knots, and the PC-24 can fly six passengers 1,800 nm. Buyers can even choose among seven cabin layouts for this area that offer more overall space than its more expensive competitors. In addition, the light jet can use grass, gravel, or dirt runways as well as runways less than 2,700 feet, according to the Barron’s article.
Changes in the pre-owned market
Buyers who are not ready to go all-in on a new jet might want to take a look at the pre-owned market while they still can. Although the pre-owned Gulfstream market has been struggling over the past several years, according to an AINOnline article, an increase in pre-owned sales, decreasing inventories, and stabilizing prices have contributed to its ongoing recovery. For example, less than 4% of Gulfstream G650 and G550 fleets are for sale, which is extremely low compared to recent years.
Inventories for older Gulfstream models, however, such as the GIV-SP and G-V, are still high. In addition, values for the G550, which had been dropping nearly 20% per year for three years, have leveled off. Plus, new tax rules that allow for 100% depreciation during the first year for both new and pre-owned jets will likely boost sales in both categories in the coming year.
For those who plan to acquire a pre-owned aircraft, keep in mind the ADS-B mandate, which requires all aircraft be updated by January 2020. ADS-B Out equipment can be expensive, and slots for performing the upgrades are filling up fast. You don’t want your pre-owned new-to-you jet to lose its value or end up in the scrap heap because of your failure to comply.
Buying a jet, whether the latest model or a pre-owned model, can be a daunting, time-consuming process. To make the best of your next jet purchase, seek out an expert who understands the markets and can help you get the aircraft for your needs at the right price.
The expert jet brokers at L & L International are here to help you acquire the perfect jet.
The newest and largest addition to the Cessna super-midsize jet lineup made its maiden voyage in early October.
Two Honeywell HTF7700L turbofan engines power the Cessna Citation Longitude, and they’ll provide a 476-knot maximum cruising speed and should have about a 3,400-nautical-mile range, allowing for international trips.
Technology advances don’t end with the engines, either. The spacious cockpit was designed for crew comfort and includes the next-generation Garmin G5000 series flight deck as well as optional head-up display and enhanced vision capabilities.
The Longitude interior is an improvement over previous Cessna midsize jets as designers stretched the fuselage to allow more cabin room. The cabin will be 6 feet high, 6 1/2 feet wide, and 25 feet long, making room for an additional pair of club chairs and bringing the Longitude maximum seating capacity to 12 passengers. Those passengers will also have better cabin environment control, which is designed to reduce altitude fatigue, and be able to access their entertainment options through mobile devices. A full-size baggage compartment will be accessible in flight, providing further convenience for long trips.
Source: Textron Aviation
At a price point of about $25 million, according to Aviation Week, the Longitude gives potential buyers more reason to anticipate the third- or fourth-quarter 2017 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification and entry into service.
Contact the experts at L & L International if you need assistance in purchasing or selling a private jet. You can reach our sales specialists today at sales@L-Lint.com, call us any time at +1 (305) 754-3313, or visit us online.
Cessna has long been dominating the business jet market with its CitationJet line. Sporting small to midsize cabins, the Cessna CitationJets are light and fast, and according to a Flying magazine article, they have had huge success. After the original CitationJet debuted in 1989, the line gave way to several iterations — including the CJ2.
Luxury meets practicality Completed in 2003, the CitationJet 2 (CJ2) is the third iteration of the Citation line, following the CJ and CJ 1. Though it shares many of the same features, the CJ2 includes an upgraded cabin, more power, and higher speeds.
Covered in a top-quality cloud-gray leather, the interior is dressed to the nines. High-gloss rosewood cabinetry with brushed aluminum hardware is paired with premium carpeting for a sleek, sophisticated look.
Larger than the original model, the CJ2 is built to accommodate in style. Seating for seven passengers is afforded in a fire-blocked configuration with club arrangement fold-out tables — four forward, two aft, and one combination.
Less maintenance, more flying The CJ2 has Williams-Rolls FJ44-2C turbofan engines, making way for
With five feet added to the fuselage, the CJ2 has been a hit in the business jet market. With more space, speed, power, and comforts, having the CJ2 in your business fleet means less maintenance and more flying.
Contact L & L International if you need assistance in purchasing or selling a private jet.
You can reach our sales specialists today at sales@L-Lint.com, call us any time at +1.305.754.3313, or visit us online.
The slow and bumpy market recovery for business aircraft is expected to continue into the next decade, according to a report from Forecast International, a Connecticut market research firm. Sputtering U.S. and European economies have forced demand for business jets lower than the rising demand for private aircraft in the Middle East, Brazil, Russia, India and China.
Here are some highlights from Forecast International’s study.
The most substantial build growth rates won’t be seen until 2013.
Long-range, large-cabin jets see the most demand.
Between 2011 and 2020, 10,907 jets will be produced, worth an estimated $230.3 billion
Several new designs are in the works, and industry analysts expect them to both enjoy high sales in the improving economy and to stimulate the aircraft industry. Click the links below to see pictures of the exciting new designs.
Speaking of Bombardier and the improving bizjet market, the Canadian aircraft company reported its 2011 third quarter earnings on Dec. 1, 2011. The news is generally good, with Bombardier posting revenues of $2.3 billion in the third quarter, up from $1.8 billion from the same period last year.
While the business jet market certainly isn’t skyrocketing or experiencing the levels of 2008, the increase in orders and demand seen recently demonstrates a sustainable pattern of growth that those in the business jet industry should be excited about. Happy New Year!
The new Florida governor is keeping a promise to residents of Florida and is selling off the private jets owned by the state. The newly elected Rick Scott has directed his staff to liquidate the two business jets owned, a 2000 Beechcraft King Air 350, and a 2003 Cessna Bravo. This is seen as a political move that will obviously be seen as a way for the state to cut back on costs and will add to the difficulties faced by the business aviation industry to not be seen as a perk business for others. Florida’s governor stated:
“The privilege of using a state-owned aircraft is an unnecessary burden to taxpayers, especially when lower-cost travel options exist.”
An interesting understory to the issue is that the governor used his own private aircraft during the campaign trail to be elected to the governor’s spot. According to the Florida Aviation Trade Association executive director, Paula Raeburn, the governor knows about the benefits of using the business aircraft as a business tool as she stated:
“Scott used his own corporate aircraft extensively during his campaign, so he knows what a resource and business tool an aircraft is.”
The business aircraft will be sold at auction on February 9, and experts are believing that the bids on the aircraft will begin at about $2M. The average of the cost of the aircraft is about 2.75M according to reports. It will be interesting to note if the new governor will use his own aircraft and bill the state for its use or asked to be reimbursed for the use of his own aircraft.
The Chinese business industry is continuing it meteoric rise and the numbers coming from China related to its business market can be staggering. This is good news for the likes of business jet sellers all over the world. The demand for business jets in the country are rising as fast as the business market itself. Recently in the world of business aviation it was announced that the trend continues. David Tang, the attorney and business aviation consultant for Minsheng Financial Leasing has announced the intention of the company to increase its fleet and its intent to purchase more jets for its fleet. At the end of the year in 2010, Minsheng Financial has placed orders of 17 business jets.
The jets that have been ordered include Gulfstream, Hawker Beechcraft, Cessna and Dassault Falcon. It is unclear what numbers are associated with each company however the company has already taken delivery of a Gulfstream 450. The company was formed under backing from a couple financial institutions in April 2008. The company is seeing its future rise and the needs for its business aircraft is increasing as well. This is indicative of the market in China and we will see many new companies formed and their needs for corporate jets rise throughout the coming years. My friends in China or those doing business with the country are all trying to keep up with demand. Business jet sellers and buyers might look to the country as a place to do further business.
There has been a jump in the use of private jets in charter flights this holiday season according to reports. Charter flights are being booked at a higher rate. The prices for charter jet prices seems to be decreasing somewhat in the US and increasing in Europe. AIN reported the following numbers from Avinode:
An early takeoff for seasonal holiday-driven traffic provoked a steep spike in demand for private charter flights. According to the latest forward-looking index from online charter portal Avinode, projected demand for this month was more than 75 points up on the November 1 level at 167.35. The December 1 index was almost 80 points above that recorded on the same day last year. There was more continuity in Avinode’s price index, which shows rates marginally up globally and in Europe, and very slightly down in the U.S. market. In North America, the average flight hour price for a Cessna Citation Excel stood at €2,428 ($3,180); Hawker 800, €2,530 ($3,314); and Challenger 604, €3,753 ($4,916). In international markets, the average rates for these types were €2,749 ($3,601), €3,260 ($4,270) and €4,836 ($6,335), respectively.
This is a bit of good news for those in the charter business and those wanting to get home for the holidays and traveling safely and in style for the holiday season.
After initially suspending the Cessna Hemisphere in April 2018, there was speculation that Textron may cancel the program altogether. However, Textron Aviation has reported that the project has simply been put on hold. Textron Aviation CEO Scott Donnelly cited manufacturer delays and engine performance concerns as the chief reason for suspension. The Cessna Hemisphere remains in the realm of ‘what could be’ as it has been touted as the next big winner in the category of large-cabin jets.
Cessna has long been dominating the business jet market with its CitationJet line. Sporting small to midsize cabins, the Cessna CitationJets are light and fast, and according to