Cirrus Aircraft Brings Parts Business In-House with Cirrus Direct™

DULUTH, Minn., July 14, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Cirrus Aircraft today announced the launch of Cirrus Direct™, its new parts and aftermarket service that the company expects to enhance Cirrus customers' ownership and operating experience. Cirrus Direct replaces Cirrus Parts by API beginning July 14, 2014.

"Global parts availability and efficient distribution are a key part of the experience aircraft owners have with Cirrus Aircraft and its Authorized Service Center Network. Our investment in Cirrus Direct™ will provide increased inventory availability, direct communication and greater convenience," said Carrie Oakland, Executive Director of Service and Support for Cirrus Aircraft. It's one more example of our commitment to a world-class ownership experience for Cirrus owners."

Cirrus owners and operators will continue to order parts, upgrades and request maintenance through Cirrus Aircraft Authorized Service Centers (ASCs). This network (listed at cirrusaircraft.com) offers complete Cirrus aircraft, engine and avionics service and support. Specialized services include air conditioning service, Avidyne and Garmin avionics repair, CAPS™ replacement, composite and paint repair, ice protection system maintenance and oxygen service. Some centers even offer an aircraft pickup and delivery service.

Cirrus has assembled an experienced team to manage all aspects of Cirrus Direct™. For several months this team has been establishing on-line and other infrastructure upgrades to support customer part ordering and fulfillment, order forecasting, inventory planning, warehouse operations and fulfillment, and part returns and accounting.

Todd Simmons, Cirrus Executive Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Service, concluded, "Cirrus is expanding its global footprint, entering new market segments, and growing its product portfolio, including the SF50 Vision jet. In concert with our growth, Cirrus Direct™ will improve a customer's experience today while providing the platform for enhanced flexibility ahead."

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 95 lives saved as a direct result of CAPS being a standard safety feature on all Cirrus aircraft. The Cirrus Vision SF50 jet, with over 550 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.

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SOURCE Cirrus Aircraft