CESSNA GETS COLUMBIA
(http://www.avweb.com/eletter/archive...ll.html#196671)
As expected, Cessna was the top bidder for Columbia Aircraft,
paying $26.4 million for "select assets" of the bankrupt Bend,
Ore. planemaker. The bankruptcy auction was held Tuesday
afternoon. CEO Jack Pelton said the company will invest money in
the Bend plant, make sure existing owners are looked after and
will keep making the two aircraft models under the name Cessna 350
and Cessna 400. "The Columbia models are a good fit with our
existing product line," Pelton said in a news release

(http://www.businesswire.com/portal/s...8&newsLang=en).
"We look forward to providing existing Columbia owners with
improved levels of service and support and introducing new
customers to these outstanding aircraft."




http://www.businesswire.com/portal/s... 8&newsLang=en
“We plan to make significant investments in Bend, in people and
operations, to bolster customer satisfaction and business
profitability. We will continue to improve quality, reliability
and performance as we strive to deliver customer value and fulfill
our commitments,” Pelton said.

Once the transaction is completed, which is expected to occur by
December 4, 2007, the Bend operation will take on the Cessna name
and be one of six Cessna manufacturing facilities. Cessna intends
to rename the current Columbia product line to become the Cessna
350 and the Cessna 400. Cessna and its network of authorized
dealers and service centers plan to integrate sales and support of
the former Columbia aircraft, and Cessna Parts Distribution is
expected to become the source for parts. Cessna also intends to
develop direct communications with current owners.