Cessna Announces Closure of Columbus, Georgia Operations ATLANTA, GA (WABE) - All remaining 315 workers at the Columbus operation will lose their jobs in phases, starting mid-year and continuing through late 2011.

Cessna spokesman Doug Oliver blames the economy. He tells WABE the company was set to deliver 535 business jets this year, but due to cancellations and deferrals, only about half of those will reach customers.

Troy Wheeler owns Lanier Flight Center in Gainesville, a Cessna dealer for the Alabama and Georgia region. He says it's been a tough year for aviation all around.

"Slowly the new aircraft are coming off the market, but it was after some incentives by Cessna. They've had to discount them to move the airplanes."

The Columbus facility produces parts and assemblies for all of Cessna's planes.

Cessna's McCauley propeller division is also leaving Columbus.

Jim Burress, WABE News.
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