Nearly two years after Textron Aviation received type certification for the Cessna Citation Longitude from the FAA, the super-midsize twin has been certified by EASA, paving the way for deliveries in Europe. Tom Perry, Textron Aviation v-p of sales for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, said the company has a specially configured Longitude set to be delivered in Europe later this year that is outfitted with flight inspection equipment for verification of navigational aids.

A Textron Aviation spokeswoman told AIN that EASA certification typically follows FAA certification by six months to a year for clean-sheet aircraft, but in the case of the Longitude “there were some delays in certification efforts due to the pandemic and significant shutdowns in the U.S. and Europe.” Since receiving FAA type certification in September 2019, the Wichita-based airframer has delivered 34 of the type, according to figures from the General Aviation Manufacturers Association.

Powered by a pair of Fadec-equipped Honeywell HTF7700L turbofans and with a full-fuel payload of 1,600 pounds, the Longitude has a range of 3,500 nm, making it capable of flying nonstop from Geneva to Dubai or Rome to New Delhi.

“In the second half of last year we saw a substantial increase in super-midsize flight activity across Europe as individuals relied on these products as a transportation solution,” Perry added. “The introduction of the Longitude to the European market will fulfill the international travel needs of many of our customers.”