Textron brings Denali

The first appearance of the Denali—the mockup version—was at AirVenture 2016. In the two years since then, Textron has gathered feedback and incorporated some of it into the design. The result, said Rob Scholl, senior vice president of sales and marketing, is a “great cabin, wide, with good headroom,” and large windows. The pressurized cabin altitude is 6,100 feet, he said.

The airplane is expected to have its first flight in 2019 and enter service in early 2020, Scholl said. Three aircraft are planned for production testing.

A General Electric Catalyst engine will power the airplane. The engine will be able to collect real-time information for the entire airplane, a feature now available on Textron’s Latitude and CitationJet 3.

The first engine was fired on Dec. 22, 2017, Scholl said. The second engine will go to altitude testing in September, he said.

The cockpit features Garmin G3000 avionics and a single control lever. The Denali can be configured for passengers or cargo, and is anticipated to be used for charter, cargo, and executive transportation flights.

Scholl said the mockup has generated a lot of interest among potential customers who are looking for a transition from piston aircraft. He declined to disclose specifics.

Denali pricing will start at $4.8 million.