Cessna is an American aircraft manufacturing brand whose products range from piston trainers and utility turboprops to Citation business jets. The company was established in Wichita in 1927 by Clyde Cessna and Victor Roos. Since 2014 its business has formed part of Textron Aviation alongside Beechcraft.[1]Cessna: A HistoryTextron Aviation · cessna.txtav.com · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details[2]Textron Aviation celebrates 10 yearsTextron Aviation · media.txtav.com · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
Company origins
Clyde Cessna's early aircraft work emphasised the cantilever monoplane, with a wing requiring no external supporting struts. The Cessna-Roos Aircraft Company was formed in September 1927, but Roos soon departed and the Cessna Aircraft Corporation name was adopted that December. Early designs included the AW, CW-6 and DC-6. The Depression severely reduced aircraft demand, while racing aircraft developed with Clyde's son Eldon helped sustain activity. Cessna later returned to the business before his nephews assumed its leadership.[1]Cessna: A HistoryTextron Aviation · cessna.txtav.com · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
Training and piston aircraft
The Cessna 172 first flew in 1955 and became a major product for flying schools and private owners. Its four-seat cabin, high wing and straightforward systems suited routine training operations. Successive production aircraft incorporated new avionics and equipment while retaining the general configuration. Textron's Top Hawk programme, introduced in 2015, placed new Skyhawks with flight schools and universities for training and recruitment activities. This connection with pilot education remains an important part of the Cessna business.[3]Textron Aviation celebrates ten years of Top HawkTextron Aviation · media.txtav.com · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
Utility aircraft and business jets
Cessna's wider range includes the Caravan family of utility turboprops, the twin-engined SkyCourier and Citation business jets. The SkyCourier is offered for passenger and freight work, while Caravan applications include operations requiring flexible cabin arrangements and access to smaller airfields. Citation products address private, corporate and charter transport. Together these families give the brand a presence across several distinct aviation markets, supported by Textron Aviation's combined engineering, manufacturing and service organisation.[4]Cessna AircraftTextron Aviation · cessna.txtav.com · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details[2]Textron Aviation celebrates 10 yearsTextron Aviation · media.txtav.com · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details