Cirrus Aircraft delivers its 600th Vision Jet single-engined private jet  

On December 23, 2024, Cirrus Aircraft announced the delivery of its 600th Vision Jet. The single-engine private jet is the world’s only Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-certified private jet aircraft and has become hugely popular in the smaller private jet aircraft space since its original certification in October 2016.

According to a company statement, the delivery of the 600th aircraft to its customer marks “a major milestone for the company and a defining moment in the evolution of personal aviation. As the world’s first and only single-engine jet to receive FAA certification, the Vision Jet has redefined personal aviation by combining advanced technology, exceptional safety features, and outstanding performance in a light, sleek design.” 

The planemaker adds that the delivery of its 600th Vision Jet “marks a significant achievement not only for Cirrus but for the entire personal aviation industry.” Since its introduction in 2016, its Vision Jet has become the best-selling jet in all of general aviation, and this milestone “demonstrates the growing demand for innovative, accessible, and safe personal aviation solutions. The Vision Jet has opened the doors to a new category of aircraft, enabling a broader range of pilots to transition into jet ownership and elevating the standards for what is possible in personal flight.” 

Aerospace Trek / ShutterstockThe Vision Jet (formerly known as the Cirus SF50) is a low-wing cantilever monoplane powered by a single Williams FJ33 turbofan mounted on the upper rear fuselage.  The design features a unique V-tail, a retractable landing gear, and is constructed 100% from composite material. The aircraft can accommodate up to seven occupants including the pilot, and the type can travel up to 1,275 nautical miles (2,361km) at a cruising speed of up to 311 knots (576kph).

Also, somewhat unconventional for private jets although common among all Cirrus-produced aircraft is the Vision Jet’s Cirrus Aircraft Protection System (CAPS) ballistic parachute which can be deployed by the pilot and support the weight of the aircraft and its occupants in case of an engine failure where few opportunities for a forced landing are evident.

Originally the Vision Jet was intended for personal usage and for pilots flying other existing Cirrus products (such as the SR20 and SR22 piston propellor general aviation aircraft) who were seeking an upgrade in the equipment they flew. However, by 2019, the type had received FAA clearance to be operated by air taxi and charter operators.

“We are proud to deliver the 600th Vision Jet,” said Zean Nielsen, CEO of Cirrus. “This achievement not only reflects the commitment from our team, owners, and stakeholders but also our relentless dedication to advancing the personal aviation industry. The Vision Jet has brought jet ownership to a broader audience by redefining what is possible in terms of safety, performance, and ease of operation. As we look to the future, we remain committed to expanding the boundaries of aviation and making flight more accessible for all.” 

According to the company, to date, worldwide flight time on Cirrus aircraft has reached more than 16 million hours, and 265 people have survived airborne incidents as a result of an inflight deployment of the CAPS parachute. The company has seven manufacturing and sales locations in the United States, including Duluth (Minnesota), Grand Forks (North Dakota), Dallas (Texas), Phoenix (Arizona), Orlando (Florida), Knoxville (Tennessee), and Benton Harbor (Michigan).

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