Who Owns Cirrus Aircraft?
The Cirrus Aircraft company was founded in 1985 by Alan and Dale Klapmeier, twin brothers who were passionate about aviation and innovation. Headquartered in Duluth, Minnesota, Cirrus designs and manufactures high-performance aircraft, including the SR-series single-engine piston aircraft, the SR22, and the SR20, and the SR50, SR60, and SR200.
Direct Answer
Cirrus Aircraft is owned by Textron Aviation, a well-established company in the global general aviation industry. Textron Aviation was formed in 2015 as a result of a merger between Cessna Aircraft Company and Beechcraft Corporation. The merged company is a subsidiary of Textron Inc., a multi-industry technology company with a diverse product portfolio.
History
Before the merger, Cirrus Aircraft was an independent company founded by the Klapmeier brothers. In the early 1990s, Cirrus began working on the SR20 and SR22 aircraft, which were designed to be higher-performance, more efficient, and more comfortable than the traditional single-engine piston aircraft of the time. In 1998, Cirrus Aircraft received certification for the SR20, and in 2000, the company received certification for the SR22.
Acquisition by Textron
In 2015, Textron Inc. acquired the majority stake in Cirrus Aircraft and merged it with Cessna Aircraft Company, creating Textron Aviation. The acquisition and merger allowed Cirrus Aircraft to combine its resources and expertise with those of Cessna and Beechcraft, becoming a leading player in the global general aviation industry.
Current Ownership Structure
As a subsidiary of Textron Inc., Textron Aviation is accountable to the parent company and is responsible for managing the operation and strategy of Cirrus Aircraft. Textron Aviation is led by a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) who is responsible for overseeing the overall direction and performance of the company.
Notable Facts
Here are some notable facts about Cirrus Aircraft and its current ownership structure:
- Cirrus Aircraft is one of the largest and most innovative aircraft manufacturers in the general aviation industry.
- As part of Textron Aviation, Cirrus operates alongside Cessna and Beechcraft, creating one of the largest and most diverse aircraft portfolios in the industry.
- Cirrus has a strong commitment to innovation, with a research and development budget that drives the development of new products and technologies.
- Textron Aviation has a diverse global customer base, serving over 100 countries.
Benefits of Ownership Structure
The ownership structure of Cirrus Aircraft under Textron Aviation has several benefits:
- Increased Access to Resources: As a subsidiary of Textron Aviation, Cirrus Aircraft has access to a global network of resources, allowing it to leverage the company’s expertise, technology, and manufacturing capabilities.
- Enhanced Innovation and Development: The merger allows Cirrus to combine its research and development efforts with those of Cessna and Beechcraft, driving innovation and advancing the development of new products and technologies.
- Global Reach and Representation: As part of Textron Aviation, Cirrus Aircraft has a significant global presence, with customers and dealerships in over 100 countries.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Cirrus Aircraft is owned by Textron Aviation, a subsidiary of Textron Inc. The ownership structure has allowed Cirrus to leverage the resources and expertise of the parent company, driving innovation and advancing its position in the global general aviation industry. With its commitment to innovation and a strong global presence, Cirrus Aircraft is well-positioned to continue its growth and leadership in the industry.
Table: Cirrus Aircraft Models
Model | Engine | Seats | Cruise Speed | Range | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
SR20 | Piper IO-240 | 4 | 143 Knots | 1,200 NM | $629,000 |
SR22 | Continental IO-360 | 4 | 153 Knots | 1,500 NM | $849,000 |
SR50 | Continental IO-550 | 4 | 163 Knots | 2,200 NM | $1,249,000 |
SR60 | Continental IO-550 | 6 | 163 Knots | 2,800 NM | $1,499,000 |
SR200 | Continental IO-550 | 8 | 163 Knots | 3,600 NM | $1,799,000 |
Note: Prices are approximate and may vary depending on customizations and options.