Cessna Columbus to be built in Wichita
During a hastily called news conference Saturday Cessna Aircraft Co. President and CEO Jack Pelton announced the company's newest business jet, the Columbus, will be built in Wichita.
Pelton says the company will spend $780 million on the development of the airplane, including the construction of a new assembly plant.
The Kansas Legislature approved $33 million in bonds to help secure the plant.
"The Kansas Legislature's quick response to this project has cemented our decision, and Cessna is proud to call Kansas home for the Citation Columbus," Pelton said, in a release. "With their quick action, the House and Senate leadership have shown the world that Kansas will compete for aviation jobs."
Cessna is a subsidiary of the Textron Co no teletrak payday loans. (NYSE:TXT).
Cessna says more than 1,000 jobs will be created with the assembly of the airplane, with an annual payroll of $74 million.
"From the beginning, Cessna was clear that they wanted to build this in Kansas," said Kansas House Speaker Melvin Neufeld. "We knew we had tough competition from other states, but we also had the home court advantage. Our message is clear too - we want these companies and these jobs in Kansas."
The Cessna Columbus has a range of 4,000 miles, a top speed of 562 mph and seating for eight passengers.