Textron Aviation Wins 11-aircraft Order from Norway

Textron Aviation has received an order from Babcock Scandinavian Air Ambulance for the first medevac-configured Cessna Citation Latitude and 10 Beechcraft King Air 250s. Deliveries of the aircraft, valued at $76 million based on list price, are scheduled throughout the next 18 months. Babcock will fly the jet and turboprops to support its contract with Air Ambulance Services of Norway, providing medevac support throughout the Scandinavian nation.

This announcement of the sale comes on the heels of the National Business Aviation Association's annual convention, where Textron Aviation marked the 100th delivery of the Latitude. Textron Aviation president and CEO Scott Ernest said the midsize-jet program continues to gain momentum as it enters new markets and is beginning to capture international interest.

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“The Citation Latitude has experienced tremendous success in the commercial segment since entering service just two years ago, and we are excited to expand upon its robust capabilities in the special-missions market,” added Bob Gibbs, the company's vice president of special-mission aircraft. “The aircraft provides steep-approach capability, short-runway performance, and low cabin altitude, all of which will be essential to support Babcock’s air ambulance missions in communities across Norway.” The Latitude will also have a modified door to accommodate wide medical stretchers.

Babcock's order also provides a boost for the King Air program. Deliveries in the first half of the year had been soft, but Rob Scholl, senior vice president of sales and marketing, noted that interest had remained strong and the company has had a pipeline of negotiations. “We continue to see a lot of activity on that fleet,” he said. “The King Air market is alive and well.”

The Babcock fleet will be equipped for operations in polar regions, have CAT II capability for operations in reduced visibility and also have steep-approach landing capability.