Moscow-based training organisation ViraZH has placed a firm order with Cessna, a subsidiary of the US conglomerate Textron, for 79 Cessna 172 Skyhawk aircraft.
The firm order was signed at the Moscow’s JetExpo 2013 event held from 12-14 September, and is part of a multi-year agreement between Cessna and ViraZH.
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ViraZH plans to use the Skyhawk airliners for training purposes at flight schools across western Russia.
With the new aircraft, ViraZH will have one of the world’s largest Skyhawk 172 aircraft fleet in operation.
The Cessna 172 Skyhawk aircraft are scheduled to be delivered to ViraZH by the third quarter of 2014.
The Skyhawk has a starting price of $289,500, which means ViraZH’s deal would be valued at approximately $22.9m based on list prices.
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By GlobalDataCessna Sales senior vice-president Kriya Shortt said that this order means an additional 11 Skyhawks purchased by ViraZH in 2011, highlighting confidence in the product.
"It is encouraging to see an increase in both our global customer base and flight training accessibility in Russia," Shortt said.
Cessna single engine/propeller aircraft senior vice-president Jodi Noah said: "The Cessna 172 Skyhawk is the world’s most popular training aircraft and we are confident that this next-generation of aviation students who now have the access to this fleet will benefit immensely, as have many aviation students before them."
Featuring an all-glass Garmin G1000 integrated flight deck, the Cessna 172 Skyhawk is the most-flown single-engine aircraft in the world, according to Cessna.
