Cirrus Aircraft Highlights: Q4'11 Airplane Shipments

DULUTH, Minn., Feb. 22, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- On February 22, 2012, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) released the industry's fourth quarter and complete 2011 shipment and billings summary. "Shipments declined in all three industry segments from the previous year, but the declines reached single digits which indicate general aviation is reaching the trough in this cycle," said GAMA Chairman, Caroline Daniels. "A majority of the market fundamentals are moving in the right direction. Corporate profits remain at record high levels, the used market and flight activity made year over year improvements and emerging markets are driving new sales. Like last year, our greatest concern remains the lack of financing. Latent demand in the market exists and an ease in the credit markets could help boost our industry into positive growth once again."

CIRRUS DELIVERS 89 SR-SERIES AIRCRAFT TO A DIVERSE MIX OF DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMERS

In the fourth quarter of 2011, Cirrus Aircraft delivered more airplanes than in any quarter since the end of 2008, resulting in its strongest performance of the past 12 quarters. Todd Simmons, Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing at Cirrus Aircraft noted, "Several factors came together in the fourth quarter to make it one of the strongest in recent memory. It's a source of pride to the Cirrus team in Duluth, Grand Forks and around the globe that with each successive quarter we are creating a stronger and more durable aircraft business."

As previously reported, twenty SR20 aircraft were completed during Q3'11 with final delivery taking place to the Civil Aviation Flight University of China (CAFUC) in Luoyang, China in Q4.

Simmons continued, "Favorable depreciation rules in the U.S. unquestionably helped drive domestic sales in late 2011. In fact, U.S. deliveries exceeded our expectations by year end. Cirrus is also benefitting from growth in the institutional side of our business, as flight schools and governments from around the world are renewing their fleets with the most capable aircraft with the latest safety and cockpit technologies. We are pleased that these new partners recognize that Cirrus is in the unique position to meet those needs."

Simmons added, "At the same time, we are cautious about ongoing economic uncertainty in Europe. As we have grown our global footprint, we also have more exposure to changing conditions in certain regions. While we keep a sharp eye on Europe, business remains more consistent in Latin America and we see potential for faster growth in China, Asia and Australia." 

CIRRUS AIRCRAFT HIGHLIGHTS FROM GAMA DATA(1): FOURTH QUARTER 2011

• Cirrus Increased its single engine piston aircraft market share by two points to 35 percent in 2011, an all time high.(2)
• Cirrus increased its SR22/SR22T comparable market share by five points to 73 percent in 2011, an all-time high.(3)
• Cirrus increased its SR20 comparable market share by three points in 2011, as the preference for the SR20 is growing as both a trainer and personal transportation airplane.(4)
• Cirrus delivered the most certified single engine piston airplanes of any general aviation manufacturer in 2011.(2)
• The SR22/SR22T family of aircraft remains the best-selling four-place airplane in the world for now 10 years in a row.

SEATING FOR FIVE, GLOBAL WEATHER, INTEGRATED PHONE, TEXT/EMAIL MESSAGING AND NEW INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OPTIONS HIGHLIGHT THE 2012 CIRRUS AIRCRAFT SR-SERIES

On January 10, 2012, Cirrus introduced a range of compelling new features on the SR-series line of aircraft. New 60/40 Flex Seating™ offers seating for three in a redesigned back seat allowing for five total passengers on board. The new back seats also feature three-point seat belts for greater comfort, can recline in three positions, can secure child seats via the automotive style LATCH system and completely fold down for maximum cargo carrying options. With Perspective Global Connect™, Cirrus pilots can now make phone calls and send text and email messages in flight. Outside the U.S., graphical weather is now available via Global Connect. Other new 2012 features include the GMA350 audio panel from Garmin, new interior and exterior color, materials and schemes and new personalization options.  

The Vision SF50 personal jet remains the primary new aircraft research and development project at Cirrus. The next public and media program update is scheduled for Q1'12.

(1) Does not include Beechcraft Q4'11 numbers, not available at time of report.
(2) FAR Part 23 certified aircraft. "Light Sport Aircraft" not included.
(3) Includes Cessna 182, Cessna 182T, Cessna Corvalis TT, Mooney.
(4)Includes the Cessna 172, Cessna 182, Cirrus SR20, Diamond DA40, Piper Warrior, Piper Arrow.

About Cirrus Aircraft
Cirrus Aircraft is a recognized leader in general aviation. Its all-composite line of personal aircraft — the SR20, SR22 and the turbocharged SR22T — incorporate innovative and advanced performance, electronic and safety technologies, including Cirrus Perspective™ by Garmin^® avionics and the unique Cirrus Airframe Parachute System™ (CAPS). To date, total time on the worldwide Cirrus Aircraft SR-series fleet surpassed five million flight hours with 51 lives saved as a direct result of CAPS being a standard safety feature on all Cirrus aircraft. The Cirrus Vision SF50 jet, with nearly 500 production positions reserved, will provide a new personal and regional business transportation solution: the personal jet. All Cirrus aircraft are made in the U.S. with a direct sales force in North America and authorized sales centers covering export markets in 60 countries around the world. Cirrus Aircraft is wholly owned by China Aviation Industry General Aircraft Co., Ltd (CAIGA). For additional information on Cirrus and its products please visit cirrusaircraft.com.

SOURCE Cirrus Aircraft