14/02/2026
Helicopter or Latest Business Jet? Sri Lankan Tycoon Dudley Sirisena Eyes a Cessna Citation Jet
Aviation Voice: Sri Lankan business magnate Dudley Sirisena explored new opportunities in private aviation at the Singapore Airshow 2026, following a special invitation from Textron Aviation to experience one of its most successful midsize business jets, the Cessna Citation Latitude. Mr. Sirisena also attended an exclusive cocktail reception hosted by Textron Aviation at the Shangri-La, Singapore, where leading members of the global business community gathered for high-level networking and discussions.
Sources indicate that Sirisena showed strong interest in acquiring a private aircraft, as discussions focused on the operational advantages and business flexibility offered by the Citation Latitude, a jet widely used by global corporate leaders and high-net-worth entrepreneurs.
🟦 A Jet Designed for Global Business Leaders
The Citation Latitude typically accommodates up to nine passengers in a spacious stand-up cabin and is powered by twin Pratt & Whitney PW306D1 engines. The aircraft cruises at approximately 446 knots (825 km/h) and offers a range of around 2,700 nautical miles, enabling nonstop transcontinental routes such as New York to Los Angeles.
Since entering service in 2015, more than 400 aircraft have been delivered worldwide, serving corporate operators, charter fleets, and fractional ownership programs. The aircraft is priced in the region of USD 20–22 million, depending on configuration.
🟦 Backed by a Global Aviation Giant
The Citation Latitude is produced by Textron Aviation, one of the world’s largest and most respected general aviation manufacturers, headquartered in Wichita, Kansas, USA. Across its Cessna and Beechcraft brands, the company has delivered over 250,000 aircraft globally and supports operators in more than 170 countries through its extensive service network.
The engagement was facilitated by INFOTECHS (PVT) Ltd., the authorized Channel Partner for Textron Aviation in Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
Textron Aviation continues to support Sri Lanka’s aviation sector through aircraft such as the Beechcraft King Air 360ER, King Air 350, Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX, Cessna 208 Grand Caravan Amphibian and the Cessna 152 and Cessna 172, widely used for transport, training and special missions.
As Sri Lanka’s private sector expands globally, this potential move signals growing interest in business aviation as a strategic tool for regional and international connectivity.