Cirrus Aircraft News

TODD SIMMONS NAMED EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, SALES AND MARKETING AT CIRRUS AIRCRAFT

 
Cirrus Aircraft today announced that Todd Simmons has been promoted to Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing. In his new role, Simmons is responsible for managing the Cirrus Aircraft brand globally and for all sales and marketing activities for the world’s best-selling line of high-performance personal, small business and training aircraft.

“Todd is an energetic leader with a depth of experience and a proven track record of growing the business,” said Brent Wouters, Cirrus President and Chief Executive Officer. “Todd’s new position and the global responsibilities that come with it coincide with our new partnership with China Aviation Industry General Aircraft, Co., Ltd. (CAIGA).”

Wouters continued, “With the CAIGA merger complete, Cirrus is in a unique and enviable position to change our growth trajectory as we come out of a challenging few years. Todd’s appointment today is a key step in realigning existing resources and making new investments in our worldwide sales and marketing organization to better serve current and future Cirrus Aircraft owners and to support new products and services we have in development.”

"I’m grateful and excited for the opportunity to lead our global sales and marketing efforts and to manage the most compelling brand in general aviation,” said Simmons. “Cirrus has an unparalleled record of innovation. Our family of light piston aircraft is the safest, highest performing and most technologically advanced in the world today. And with the Vision Jet just around the corner, we have the opportunity to transform personal mobility and transportation again. As a passionate pilot and aviator, and as a marketing and sales professional, I’m thrilled at what the future holds for Cirrus Aircraft employees, our customers and for general aviation overall.”

Simmons joined Cirrus in early 2008 as Vice President of Marketing and during his tenure has led a number of innovative growth initiatives aimed at both the current owner community and at new segments. In spite of challenging overall economic conditions during these efforts, the SR22 remains the best-selling four-seat aircraft in the world and its worldwide market share has grown to an all-time high.

With more than 20 years of experience in sales, marketing and business leadership, Simmons has held positions in marketing development, international marketing communications and revenue management at a range of companies from boutique firms to Fortune 500 companies. His aviation experience includes work at Delta Air Lines and at CubCrafters where he led sales and marketing efforts and later presided over the company.

Simmons holds a Bachelor's of Industrial Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

 

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY SELECTS CIRRUS SR20

 
Twenty-Five Aircraft to Be Delivered Beginning This Summer

 

Duluth, Minn.– (July 5) – Cirrus Aircraft today confirmed that its SR20 aircraft has been selected as the aircraft of choice for the U.S. Air Force Academy’s Powered Flight Program and that fulfilling the new fleet order is already underway.  The Air Force Academy will receive 25 SR20 aircraft – designated as T-53A trainers in the customized configuration – starting this summer and continuing through 2012.

 

“We’re honored to have been chosen by the Air Force Academy for its airmanship training requirements,” said Jon Dauplaise, Cirrus Vice President of Domestic Sales. “The Academy’s Powered Flight Program gives its cadets tremendous inflight experience and is potentially the first step in an Air Force pilot career. We’re confident that the cadets and their instructors will benefit from the SR20’s latest-generation avionics, the largest and most comfortable cabin in this class of aircraft, docile handling, intuitive control characteristics and, perhaps most importantly, from the most advanced aviation safety features available today.” Dauplaise added:  “This fleet of new aircraft confirms the U.S. Air Force’s confidence in Cirrus and is another notable step forward in the growth of our global training aircraft efforts.”

“We’ve been studying the replacement of our existing trainer fleet since 2010,” said Lt. Colonel Brad Oliver with the academy's 557th Flying Training Squadron. “The T-53A meets or exceeds all of our performance and operational criteria and is very well-suited to our mission. And, while we hope never to have need of it, our cadets and instructors will now have the option of ‘pulling the ‘chute’ if it’s needed.”

Each aircraft delivered to the Air Force Academy will be equipped with the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System™ (CAPS), integrated fuselage roll cage, cuffed wing design, Cirrus Perspective by Garmin™ avionics and more active and passive safety systems and features that are standard equipment on all Cirrus aircraft.

The value of the purchase is approximately $6.1 million and the new fleet of T-53A trainers will be based at the Academy’s Airfield (AFF) in Colorado Springs, Colo.

 

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). As of mid-2011, total time on the worldwide Cirrus Aircraft SR-series fleet surpassed five million flight hours with 48 lives saved to date as a direct result of CAPS being a standard safety feature on all Cirrus aircraft. The Cirrus Aircraft 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 USA with a direct sales force in North America and authorized sales centers covering export markets in 60 countries around the world. For additional information on Cirrus and its products please visit cirrusaircraft.com.

For more Cirrus information, contact:
Todd Simmons, VP of Marketing
218.788.3302

CIRRUS AIRCRAFT, CAIGA COMPLETE MERGER

 

Duluth, MN and Zhuhai, China - (June 28) - Cirrus Aircraft and China Aviation Industry General Aircraft Co., Ltd. (CAIGA) today announced that the two companies have completed their merger. With the previously announced merger now finalized, Cirrus Aircraft, a global leader in general aviation, joins China's leading general aviation product and services company to form a worldwide general aviation enterprise. 

"We're very excited to have joined forces with CAIGA," said Brent Wouters, Cirrus President and Chief Executive Officer. "This partnership will benefit our business and our customers; we share with CAIGA a vision of worldwide growth. CAIGA has the resources that will allow us to expedite our aircraft development programs and accelerate our global expansion." 

Wouters also said that he expects the merger to deliver benefits in terms of jobs and job growth in the United States: "Our partners at CAIGA understand the strength and the talent of Cirrus's workforce who have made the Cirrus brand so successful and prominent in the general aviation marketplace. CAIGA will continue to invest in our employees and in our world-class production facilities in Minnesota and North Dakota."

"We are very impressed with Cirrus' performance in the global general aviation industry" said Meng Xiangkai, CAIGA president. "It has a very strong record of consistent product excellence, comprehensive safety features, an outstanding management team and a highly skilled workforce who operate from advanced production facilities. We look forward to working with Cirrus' management team to build upon its success and to expand production volume to further cement Cirrus' leadership position in the global general aviation industry."

Cirrus Aircraft Co-Founder Dale Klapmeier said the completion of the merger was an important milestone in the company's history: "This is a very positive development that allows us to continue our mission to develop and build the best, most exciting aircraft in the world. Through our merger with CAIGA Cirrus will continue to lead the industry in bringing increased safety, performance, and comfort to the general aviation community."

Known for incorporating luxury automotive ergonomics, pilot-friendly avionics and advanced safety features into its high performance airplanes, Cirrus has delivered nearly 5,000 new piston airplanes over the last decade. For nine years in a row, the Cirrus SR22 family of aircraft has been the best-selling four-place airplane in the world. Cirrus pioneered the use of the FAA-certified Cirrus Airframe Parachute System™ that is standard equipment on all Cirrus aircraft.

________________________________________

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). As of mid-2011, total time on the worldwide Cirrus Aircraft SR-series fleet surpassed 5 million flight hours with 48 lives saved to date as a direct result of CAPS being a standard safety feature on all Cirrus aircraft. The Cirrus Aircraft Vision 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 USA with a direct sales force in North America and authorized sales centers covering export markets in 60 countries around the world.  For additional information on Cirrus and its products please visit cirrusaircraft.com.

About CAIGA

Headquartered in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province in China, China Aviation Industry General Aircraft Co., Ltd. (CAIGA) is a leading solution provider in the general aviation industry of China. As a company with diversified shareholders, CAIGA controls four listed companies in China and the total revenue in 2010 reached US$2.9 billion. Its main businesses include the R&D and manufacturing of light piston aircraft, turboprop aircraft, jet, amphibious aircraft as well as their parts & components. It also provides services including general aviation operations, pilot training and aviation clubs.

 

Editors, for more information, contact:
Todd Simmons, VP of Marketing
218.788.3302

CIRRUS SR20 CLEARED IN 2006 LIDLE/STANGER ACCIDENT

  

New York Jury Finds Aircraft Did Not Contribute to Fatal Crash

(May 24, 2011, New York City) – After a four-week trial and and a short period of deliberation, a jury of 4 men and 2 women in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York found that Cirrus Design Corporation’s SR20 aircraft did not cause the 2006 fatal accident that claimed the lives of New York Yankees pitcher Cory Lidle and certified flight instructor Tyler Stanger.

“Our hearts are with the Lidle and Stanger families who are still grieving,” said Bill King, Cirrus’ Vice President of Business Administration.  “We’re gratified that the jury reached a decision that confirmed what the National Transportation Safety Board found and what we have always believed: the SR20 did not cause this accident. We very much appreciate the hard work of the jury and the court in this matter.”

King noted that the operational performance and safety systems of the SR-series aircraft have made the aircraft the best-selling four-seat aircraft for almost a decade.  There are nearly 5,000 SR-series aircraft currently in operation around the world, a global fleet that has logged nearly 5 million flight hours to date. 

“Cirrus Aircraft was founded on the principles of designing a new generation of General Aviation aircraft that incorporate the latest technology and safety features available,” said Brent Wouters, President and CEO of Cirrus Aircraft.  “Our aircraft are designed with safety features that no one else in general aviation incorporates.  Furthermore we are very proud of our team of dedicated men and women who are responsible for building the safest aircraft of its kind in the world.”

For more information, contact Todd Simmons, Vice President, Marketing 218.786.3302

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Duluth, Minnesota and Zhuhai, China -- Monday, February 28, 2011 -- Cirrus Industries, Inc. (Cirrus), a recognized leader in general aviation, and China Aviation Industry General Aircraft Co., Ltd. (CAIGA) today announced that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement pursuant to which CAIGA would acquire Cirrus.

Known for incorporating luxury automotive ergonomics, pilot-friendly avionics and advanced safety features into its high performance airplanes, Cirrus has delivered nearly 5,000 new piston airplanes over the last decade.  For nine years in a row, the Cirrus SR22 family of aircraft has been the best-selling four-place airplane in the world. Cirrus pioneered the use of the FAA-certified Cirrus Airframe Parachute System^TM that is standard equipment on all Cirrus aircraft.  

Brent Wouters, Cirrus’s President and Chief Executive Officer, commenting on the transaction, noted that “This transaction will have a positive impact on our business and our customers because we share a common vision with CAIGA to grow our general aviation enterprise worldwide.  CAIGA brings new resources that will allow us to expedite our aircraft development programs and accelerate our global expansion.”  Mr. Wouters further noted the positive impact on jobs and job growth stating that “CAIGA understands the strength and the talent of Cirrus’s workforce and the prominence of the Cirrus brand in general aviation.  Through this transaction, CAIGA will invest in our employees in both Minnesota and North Dakota by committing to the continued use of our world-class production facilities.”

CAIGA is a world-class provider of general aircraft products and related services headquartered in Zhuhai in the Guangdong Province of China.  Meng Xiangkai, CAIGA’s President, stated, “CAIGA is dedicated to being an international leader in the provision of general aviation products and services, and light piston aircraft is one of CAIGA’s business focuses.  We are very optimistic to begin our partnership with Cirrus and add Cirrus’s strong brand as the cornerstone in our aviation product portfolio.  We are deeply impressed with Cirrus's performance in the global general aviation industry, especially with its consistent product performance, comprehensive safety features, outstanding management team, highly skilled employee base and advanced production facilities as well as its expanding global footprint.  We look forward to working with Cirrus’s management team to build upon Cirrus’s proven success and to further expand production volume in order to cement Cirrus’s existing leadership position in the global general aviation industry, as well as to produce greater job opportunities in Duluth and Grand Forks.“

Commenting on the transaction with CAIGA, Cirrus’s Chairman and Co-Founder Dale Klapmeier expressed the same optimism about the future noting that “On behalf of everyone at Cirrus, we are thrilled to make this announcement.  With this transaction, Cirrus will continue to develop and build the best, most exciting aircraft in the world.  The original dream remains alive and well at Cirrus.  We are just embarking on our next chapter on a global stage.”

The transaction is expected to close around mid-2011.  The acquisition of Cirrus by CAIGA is subject to customary closing conditions, including clearance under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act and by the U.S. Government’s Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), as well as obtaining all relevant Chinese Government Approvals.

VRA Partners, LLC acted as financial advisor and King & Spalding LLP acted as legal advisor to Cirrus in relation to this transaction.  Citigroup Global Markets Limited and CITIC Securities acted as joint financial advisors to CAIGA in relation to this transaction.  Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP acted as legal advisor and Ernst & Young LLP acted as accounting and tax advisor to CAIGA.

About Cirrus

Cirrus, a member of the global portfolio of Arcapita companies, is a recognized leader in general aviation.  The all-composite line of personal aircraft — SR20, SR22 and 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).  Through 2010, total time on the worldwide Cirrus Aircraft SR-series fleet surpassed 4.3 million flight hours with more than 48 lives saved to date as a direct result of CAPS being a standard safety feature on all Cirrus aircraft. The Cirrus Aircraft Vision 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 USA with a direct sales force in North America and authorized sales centers covering export markets in 60 countries around the world.  For additional information on Cirrus and its products please visit cirrusaircraft.com.

About CAIGA

Headquartered in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province in China, China Aviation Industry General Aircraft Co., Ltd. (CAIGA) is a leading solution provider in the general aviation industry of China. As a company with diversified shareholders, CAIGA controls 4 listed companies in China and the total revenue in 2010 reached US$2.9bn. Its main businesses include the R&D and manufacturing of light piston aircraft, turboprop aircraft, jet, amphibious aircraft as well as their parts & components. It also provides services including general aviation operations, pilot training and aviation clubs.

 

Contact:
Todd Simmons, Vice President of Marketing, Cirrus Aircraft
218.788.3302 
tsimmons@cirrusaircraft.com

Download Press Release 2 28 11 

General Aviation Airplane Shipment Report 3Q 2010: Cirrus Aircraft Summary

 

Most recent quarter’s data again points to Cirrus Aircraft product strength and consistency over the the past twenty-four months

On November 10, 2010 the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) released the industry’s third quarter shipment and billings summary. GAMA President and CEO Pete Bunce saw positive signs in an industry slowly recovering from two years of turbulence, making special mention of companies like Cirrus that are investing in upgrades and new products. “I am especially encouraged by the resources general aviation manufacturers are expending on the research and development of new products,” said Bunce. “Recovery indicators continue to fluctuate, but one positive indicator - the investment in new airplanes and technology – is solid.  GA manufacturers are clearly looking toward the future and will be poised for a strong return when the economy fully recovers.”

 

Preference for Cirrus Aircraft continues at all time high levels as the newest model in the best selling line - the SR22T - makes its global debut

“We see several positive factors combining to push our piston market share higher in a tough market” noted Todd Simmons, Vice President, Marketing. “Most impactful in the third quarter was the introduction of the SR22T with its all-new TCM TSIO-550-K engine installation. This latest iteration in the best-selling SR22 line is not only a performance leader yet also defines the path forward around future fuels. For the third quarter, the new model accounted for nearly 40% of total deliveries right out of the gate. Additional new product features including Electronic Stability & Protection™ in the Cirrus Perspective by Garmin™ avionics suite, Certified Flight into Known Icing, and new personalization options are driving sales and delivery activity as well.” 

“For the year we also see an increase in the number of deliveries of new SR20’s. It too has received a number of significant upgrades making it a very capable personal touring airplane, contemporary training platform, or in the case of many new SR20 owners, both.”

Simmons added, “Of course the airframe parachute is as much a topic of discussion today as it was when we introduced CAPS as standard on every Cirrus more than a decade ago. The only difference is now we don’t talk about how it works or why to have it, but instead what an invaluable safety feature it has proven to be and why would anyone own a plane in this class without it.”  

  

Early Indicators are positive for 2011

Brent Wouters, President and CEO, noted several factors approaching the end of 2010 that are contributing to a positive outlook for Cirrus Aircraft in 2011. “The recent passage of generous depreciation rules for small businesses is very helpful, especially since customers can take delivery of aircraft ordered in 2010 by the end of 2011 and still receive the tax benefit. Cirrus is offering additional assistance to our customers with generous trade-in incentives, the lowest aircraft financing rates in years and an unprecedented 5-year spinner-to-tail warranty with any new purchase. Taken together, these are the most compelling reasons to buy in years.”

Wouters added, “This most recent quarter’s performance joins the previous six or seven in the high performance piston GA space where Cirrus uniquely has demonstrated consistency in deliveries and a commitment to product innovation. These fundamentals are critical to the nascent recovery, and while it is still too early to be certain, we are hopeful our numbers suggest an even stronger 2011 for Cirrus and the entire industry.”

 

Third quarter 2010 Cirrus Aircraft highlights 

• Cirrus has delivered more 4-seat, single-engine piston airplanes in 2010 than any other manufacturer year to date, and the SR22 family of aircraft remains the best-selling airplane for now the 8^th year in a row.
  
• Year to date, Cirrus market share for single engine piston, tricycle gear aircraft stands at 35%, an all time high for the company. In 3Q’10 alone, Cirrus market share in the same category stood at 49%.
  
• Year-to-date, Cirrus has grown its market share leadership to nearly 70% percent for all SR22 comparable aircraftⁱ.  In the first three quarters of 2009, the same figure was 58% and in 2008, 50%.
  
• Both year to date unit volume and market share have grown for the SR20ⁱⁱ.  SR20 market share grew from 11% in 2009 to 13% in 2010 and SR20 unit deliveries are up 12% in 2010 vs. the same period in 2009.
  
• While not reported in GAMA data, sales of pre-owned Cirrus Aircraft through Cirrus Certified^TM – the exclusive Cirrus Aircraft pre-owned sales division – remain strong at 22 units for the quarter.

Read the full GAMA shipment report:  Download 2010 Shipment Report Q3 2010

 

SEE Cirrus' special offers available on aircraft deliveries through 12/31/2010

---

ⁱ SR22 comparable aircraft includes the following four seat aircraft:  182T Skylane, T182T Turbo Skylane, 350 Corvalis, 400 Corvalis TT, SR22, SR22T, M20R Ovation, M20TN Acclaim

ⁱⁱ SR20 comparable aircraft includes the following four seat aircraft:  172R Skyhawk, 172S Skyhawk SP, 182T Skylane, DA40, SR20, PA-28-161 Warrior III, PA-28-181 Archer III, PA-28R-201 Arrow