By Rebecca Rayko
AWN Editor

NEW ORLEANS - Cessna Aircraft says its finding success from the Latin American region. The company backed up the statement with a $108 million order announcement at NBAA last week.

Taxi Aereo Marilia (TAM) placed an order for 14 new Cessna Citations: three CJ1s, five CJ2s, an Encore, three Bravos and two Excels.

The first Citation will deliver to TAM in April 2002, with the final aircraft of the $73 million order expected to deliver in November 2003. TAM has another 15 Citations already on order with Cessna.

The other Latin American order came from Avemex SA, which bought seven Citations: three Excels, two Bravos, a CJ2 and a CJ1. The order is valued at $45 million.

The Avemex deliveries will begin in May 2002 and continue through February 2003.

"Today there are more than 270 Citations, 211 Caravans and thousands of single-engine piston aircraft being operated within South America, Central America and Mexico," said Cessna CEO Gary Hay.

Citation X Gets Boost

In other Cessna news, the manufacturer announced plans to make major improvements to the Citation X.

The changes include an increase in gross weight and engine thrust, and an expanded Citation X standard equipment list.

The changes are effective on all Citation X aircraft delivered after January 1, 2002, beginning with serial number 173.

Maximum takeoff weight will be increased by 400 lbs, bringing it to 36,100 lbs. This will deliver a notable increase in passenger capacity at full fuel payload. The Citation X will then be able to carry up to seven passengers with full fuel in a typically equipped aircraft.