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Textron Aviation emerged as the leading private jet seller in 2024, according to Private Jet Card Comparisons, with sales totaling 151 business jets. The company continues to develop aircraft for historic brands such as Cessna and Beechcraft while still supporting the Hawker fleet.
Textron Aviation maintains its position as a market leader in General Aviation. On August 13, 1927, a Cessna all-purpose aircraft took off, revolutionizing aviation with Clyde Cessna’s cantilever design. Cessna, originally a farmer and car sales representative, founded the company and invented early models.
Beechcraft was founded by Walter H. Beech and his wife Olive Ann Beech. Despite initial skepticism from peers, they focused on their ambition to build "the finest aircraft in the world." Their first aircraft, the BEECHCRAFT Model 17 biplane, saw significant sales for both civil and military use. The Beechcraft BONANZA became the longest continually developed aircraft globally, with over 18,000 units manufactured since it started production in 1947.
