Cirrus Boosts Production

Cirrus announced in June that around 50 recently laid-off workers will be called back at its facilities in Duluth, Minnesota, and Grand Forks, North Dakota, after the decision was made to boost production from six to eight aircraft a week. This news came only 45 days after production was increased to six aircraft a week, following nearly six months of production rates averaging three to four aeroplanes a week. “Unlike the recent change to six aircraft a week, today’s change to eight a week will take somewhat longer to implement due to required staffing increases and the commensurate impact on vendor lead times,” predicts Pat Waddick, Executive Vice President of Operations at Cirrus.

The company’s positive stance is supported by several contributing factors including information that despite the other reported general aviation industry trends, Cirrus saw steady growth in new aircraft orders during the 120 days before the latest increase in planned production numbers.

The sources of the new orders are also of significance, with domestic and international retail demand, as well as both US and global institutional demand. Also showing similar increases in sale activity, with used aircraft inventory levels showing increasing signs of becoming stable, is Cirrus Certified™, its pre-owned aircraft sales division. According to the President and CEO of Cirrus, Brent Wouters, the marketplace is responding to the new offerings, which include the “Flight Into Known Icing” certification for SR22 and TURBO models.

While these developments indicate a promising future for the company, Wouters warns that the immediate future remains challenging: “While today’s news is certainly reason for optimism and clearly another step in the right direction, we will maintain our determined approach and continue to make any adjustments necessary as quickly and efficiently as possible.”