US Department of Agriculture Orders Three Cessna Caravans
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: May 12 2026
0mins
Textron Aviation announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has ordered three Cessna Caravan aircraft to support its sterile insect release program protecting citrus crops along the Rio Grande River in southern Texas. The new aircraft are expected to be delivered in 2027. APHIS will use the Caravans to carry and release sterile insects that help prevent the spread of destructive pests, including fruit flies. The environmentally friendly technique helps safeguard fruit-bearing trees, reduce crop damage and protect agricultural industries that rely on healthy harvests.
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Analyst Views on TXT
Wall Street analysts forecast TXT stock price to fall
7 Analyst Rating
0 Buy
7 Hold
0 Sell
Hold
Current: 91.760
Low
86.00
Averages
89.71
High
94.00
Current: 91.760
Low
86.00
Averages
89.71
High
94.00
About TXT
Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with various solutions and services. The Company's segments include Textron Aviation, Bell, Textron Systems, Industrial and Finance. Textron Aviation segment manufactures, sells and services Cessna, Pipistrel and Beechcraft aircraft, and services the Hawker brand of business jets. The Bell segment supplies military and commercial helicopters, tiltrotor aircraft, and related spare parts and services in the world. The Textron Systems segment offers electronic systems and solutions, advanced marine craft, piston aircraft engines, and others. It includes manned and unmanned products for military applications and related research and development activities. Its Industrial segment designs and manufactures a variety of products within the Kautex and Specialized Vehicles product lines.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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See More
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See More
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- Global Support Network: Textron Aviation offers comprehensive global aftermarket service for Cessna and Beechcraft customers, and Platoon Aviation will benefit from a robust service network in Europe, including five company-owned service centers and mobile service support teams, ensuring efficient customer service.
- Technological Innovation and Operational Efficiency: The design of the Cessna Citation Longitude integrates the latest technology, providing the lowest direct operating costs in its class, powered by Honeywell HTF7700L turbofan engines, optimizing maintenance cycles and helping Platoon Aviation enhance fleet availability and customer service quality.
See More
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- New Helicopter Order: Life Flight Network has ordered three additional Bell 407GX helicopters to expand its fleet of 35 Bell aircraft, enhancing its rapid response capabilities as the largest non-profit air medical service in the U.S.
- Enhanced Response Capability: The new Bell 407GX helicopters will bolster Life Flight Network's provision of 24/7 ICU-level medical services, ensuring faster patient reach during emergencies and improving overall medical rescue efficiency.
- Technological Advantages: The Bell 407GXi helicopters feature the advanced Garmin G1000H NXi flight deck, which enhances safety and reduces pilot workload, allowing for exceptional performance in life-saving transport missions in challenging environments.
- Long-term Partnership: The enduring relationship between Life Flight Network and Bell, established over many years, is reinforced by this new order, laying a stronger foundation for future medical rescue operations.
See More
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- Order Details: Textron Aviation announced it has secured an order from the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) for three Cessna Caravan aircraft to support its sterile insect release program in Texas, with deliveries expected in 2027, thereby enhancing the company's position in the agricultural aviation market.
- Eco-Friendly Technology: The aircraft will be used to carry and release sterile insects to prevent the spread of fruit pests, employing environmentally friendly techniques that reduce chemical use, thus protecting fruit-bearing trees and agricultural industries, showcasing the company's commitment to sustainability.
- Aircraft Performance Advantages: The Cessna Caravan is renowned for its reliability and high payload capacity, making it suitable for long-duration flights and low-altitude operations, enabling missions in remote areas and enhancing APHIS's agricultural protection capabilities to ensure healthy crops.
- Fleet Expansion: This order will expand APHIS's fleet capacity, enhancing its ability to conduct aerial pest management programs that support growers and strengthen environmental stewardship, further solidifying Textron's leadership in the aviation sector.
See More
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- Initial Delivery: Textron Aviation delivered the first three Cessna Citation Ascend business jets to NetJets, marking the new midsize aircraft's entry into commercial service, with additional deliveries expected in the coming months to meet market demand.
- Technological Advancements: The new Citation Ascend features advanced avionics based on Garmin G5000 systems and autothrottle capability, powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PW545D engines, offering a range of approximately 1,940 nautical miles, enhancing flight efficiency and passenger comfort.
- Market Demand: NetJets indicated that the new aircraft reflects ongoing customer demand for midsize jets, with existing models like the Citation Latitude and Longitude already in its fleet, further solidifying its market position.
- Cabin Design: The Citation Ascend's cabin accommodates up to eight passengers, featuring a flat floor layout and expanded baggage capacity, aimed at providing higher passenger comfort and convenience, thereby enhancing the customer experience.
See More
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- Network Expansion: Textron Aviation's new service facility at Essendon Fields Airport in Melbourne, covering over 35,000 square feet, aims to provide more direct factory support for Cessna, Beechcraft, and Hawker customers in the Asia-Pacific region, thereby enhancing customer service capabilities and response times.
- Customer Feedback Driven: The design of the new facility is based on customer feedback, featuring expanded aircraft servicing space, an on-site parts stockroom to improve parts availability, and a more comfortable customer lounge, all aimed at reducing customer wait times and enhancing overall service experience.
- Strategic Investment: This investment not only strengthens aviation service capabilities in the Melbourne area but also complements Textron Aviation's facility expansions in Perth, demonstrating the company's long-term commitment to the Asia-Pacific market and addressing the growing demand for business aviation.
- Future Event Arrangement: Textron Aviation plans to host a formal grand opening event in August, inviting media, customers, and community leaders to celebrate the new facility's opening, further enhancing its connection with the local community and showcasing its service capabilities.
See More
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Analyst Recommendation: TD Cowen has raised its rating on the stock to "buy" from "hold."
Target Price Increase: The firm has also increased its target price for the stock from $110 to $115.
See More
