Light aircraft interiors have come a long way from the thinly padded seats and hard, textured plastic door paneling many of us recall from decades ago or more recently as flight students in well-worn trainers.
Now Textron Aviation, a unit of Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT), is raising the standard by introducing a range of interior upgrades to its lineup of Cessna high-wing piston models, including the Skyhawk, Skylane, Turbo Skylane, and Turbo Stationair HD.
Beginning next year, Cessna will roll out a range of new designs and high-tech standard features, including updated instrument panels and more modern, comfortable seats. New exterior paint schemes will accompany the redesigned interiors, Cessna said.
“When designing the next interior for the iconic aircraft family, it was important that we include feedback from customers and fans.” said Christi Tannahill, Textron’s senior vice president for customer experience. “The result is a more modern, sporty feel that aligns with our family of Cessna Citation jets for the best aviation experience.”
Changes to the Cessna interiors include small details like the design of door locks, air vents, power headset jacks, and charging ports at every seat with USB A and C compatibility.
“Cessna pistons inspire the journey of flight,” said Chris Crow, vice president of Textron’s piston sales. “If you’re a pilot, odds are that you learned how to fly in a Skyhawk. This investment demonstrates Textron Aviation’s continued enthusiasm for our piston aircraft lineup, and we are thrilled to see these aircraft continue to support pilots worldwide in their training ambitions or mapping their next adventure.”
The company will display a Skyhawk with the new interior design during this week’s EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
