Cirrus Breaks Sales Record

New aircraft orders reached an all-time high of 733 in 2004, Cirrus Design Corp. reported on Saturday. The figure represents an increase of 69 percent, or 301 more aircraft ordered than in 2003. The company also set a new monthly record of 102 new aircraft orders in December. Cirrus attributes the growth to maturity of its domestic sales team and the establishment of a sales network around the world. In 2004, orders from foreign markets doubled over the previous year, with strong showings in Europe and Australia. Cessna said last month that it delivered 654 single-engine piston aircraft in 2004. Cirrus didn’t release delivery numbers, but GAMA will tell all in a few hours. The year-end report on GA shipments for 2004, compiled annually by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, is due out today.