In the largest puchase deal in the history of the company, Cessna Aircraft announced at Moscow’s JetExpo 2013 that Russian flight training group ViraZH has placed an order for 79 Cessna 172 Skyhawk aircraft.
This will give the Moscow-based ViraZH, the largest Skyhawk air wing in operation in the world, with 90 172s on the flight line. The company plans to use the Skyhawks, along with 11 172s purchased in 2011, for training purposes at flight schools throughout western Russia. The order is part of a multi-year agreement between Cessna and ViraZH. All 79 aircraft set to be delivered by the third quarter of 2014.
“We are delighted to have a strong relationship with ViraZH and are proud they have selected the Cessna 172 Skyhawk to be their training platform,” said Kriya Shortt, Cessna senior vice president of Sales.
Jodi Noah, Cessna senior vice president for Single Engine/Propeller Aircraft, added: “Cessna’s reputation for producing reliable and safe products precedes us both in the US and globally. The Cessna 172 Skyhawk is the world’s most popular training aircraft and we are confident that this next generation of aviation students who now have the access to this fleet will benefit immensely, as have many aviation students before them.”
From Cessna Aircraft:
With more than 43,000 aircraft with several model variants delivered, the Skyhawk is the best-selling, most-flown plane ever built. It also enjoys a distinguished reputation as the safest general aviation aircraft available. The Skyhawk is a top performer, showcasing the agility, stability, and durable strength that Cessna is famous for.
I learned how to fly in a well-worn flight school Cessna 172N, then stepped up to a 172SP. The newest Skyhawk, with it’s glass Garmin G1000 flight deck coupled to a 180hp Lycoming IO-360-L2A air-cooled, four-cylinder, fuel injected engine offers pilots the best combination of modern features and dependability in the air today.
You can find out more about Cessna and the legendary Skyhawk HERE.