Cessna Sees Strong Orders for Caravan after Introduction of Garmin G1000 and TKS Ice Protection

Hartford, Conn.– Following the introduction of the Garmin G1000 integrated avionics package and TKS ice protection into all Caravan models, Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company announced today at the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Expo that they received 59 Caravan orders at last week’s National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Meeting and Convention.

Incorporation of the Garmin G1000 integrated avionics package will begin in the first half of 2008 on all Caravan models: the Cessna 208, the Grand Caravan (208B) and the Super CargoMaster.

The Garmin G1000 system designed for the Caravan includes three 10” displays – two primary flight displays (PFD) and one multi function display (MFD). One of the PFDs can serve as a back up, increasing dispatch ability. The Caravan G1000 system incorporates the GFC700 – an integrated, dual-channel digital autopilot. Other features include a flight director, go-around mode and Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) which can provide precision guidance to airports where there are currently no precision approaches. It also includes SafeTaxiTM – a graphical representation of the aircraft on the ground in the airport environment in relation to labeled taxiways, runways and buildings during taxi. Radar, TAWS-B, XM radio and XM weather are optional features.

Cessna will offer optional TKS ice protection from Aerospace Systems & Technology, Inc. on cargo pod-equipped Caravans scheduled for delivery during the first half of 2008. The TKS ice protection system releases glycol based fluid through laser-drilled panels on the leading edges of the wings, and horizontal and vertical stabilizers to reduce ice accumulation. A slinger ring on the propeller also emits fluid to minimize ice accumulation on the prop, windshield, cargo pod and landing gear.

Cessna’s Caravan orders this year have already reached more than 200% of the goal for 2007, leading to increases in production rates beginning in 2008 that will more than double recent volumes.