Textron Aviation, a subsidiary of Textron, has officially announced its comprehensive exhibition plans for the upcoming 2026 Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) AirVenture event in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, reports Business Wire.
Highlighting the company's showcase this year will be the highly anticipated show debuts of the Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen2 business jet and the Beechcraft King Air 360 Crimson Edition turboprop. This announcement marks a significant milestone for the manufacturer as it brings these two advanced aircraft to the general aviation community's premier annual gathering for the first time, reinforcing its market leadership.
The annual EAA AirVenture event serves as a critical cornerstone for Textron Aviation’s customer engagement strategy. According to Lannie O'Bannion, senior vice-president of sales & marketing, the gathering provides an unparalleled, face-to-face opportunity to connect with aircraft owners, operators, and aviation enthusiasts.
O'Bannion emphasised that being on the ground in Oshkosh allows the company to display the massive breadth of its product portfolio while gathering essential feedback directly from customers. This collaborative environment ensures that the manufacturer can continuously adapt and deliver innovative aircraft that meet the rapidly evolving demands of the global aviation sector.
As the leading manufacturer in general aviation, Textron Aviation supports an immense operational footprint, with more than 24,000 turbine aircraft and 85,000 piston aircraft currently flying across the United States. Visitors attending EAA AirVenture can find the company’s extensive static display at booth #78.
The expansive exhibit will feature an iconic lineup spanning multiple aviation segments, from introductory trainers and high-performance piston models to advanced turboprops and long-range business jets. The diverse collection includes the Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3 cockpit mockup, Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen2, Cessna Citation M2 Gen2, Beechcraft Denali mockup, the Beechcraft King Air 360 Crimson Edition, and the utility-focused Cessna Grand Caravan EX.
Furthermore, the exhibition will feature Textron’s legendary light aircraft fleet, which remains the backbone of pilot training worldwide. Models on display will include the Cessna Turbo Stationair (206), the Turbo Skylane (T182T), the standard Skylane (182), and the ubiquitous Skyhawk (172). In addition to the Cessna and Beechcraft brands, representatives from Pipistrel will be on-site to highlight their sustainable and modern fleet. Pipistrel's presence will feature three specific models: The high-performance Panthera, the Sinus MAX motorglider, and the Alpha Trainer, demonstrating Textron's ongoing commitment to diverse propulsion technologies.
Beyond complete airframes, the exhibition highlights Textron's integrated family of brands and propulsion systems. Every Cessna and Beechcraft turboprop and piston aircraft on display will feature McCauley Propeller Systems products. McCauley will showcase specific propeller displays tailored for the Beechcraft King Air 360 and the Beechcraft Denali. Other sister companies under the Textron corporate umbrella will also feature prominently, including a Bell 505 helicopter display and a specialised engine display from Lycoming Engines, offering attendees a comprehensive view of the group's manufacturing capabilities.
Modern operational capabilities will also take centre stage at booth #78, particularly regarding inflight passenger experience and aircraft management. Textron Aviation will feature dedicated displays for advanced aftermarket connectivity solutions, focusing on the latest Starlink and Gogo Galileo satellite systems. Attendees can interact directly with aftermarket parts experts and customer support teams to explore the company’s extensive global service network.
This infrastructure includes a robust web of dedicated service centres, mobile service units, and authorised facilities. Supported by round-the-clock, 24/7 Aircraft-on-Ground (AOG) logistics, Textron Aviation continues to maximise aircraft availability and ensure fleet readiness worldwide.
