For Immediate Release

 March 31, 2006

Contact: Vera Bothner (316) 640-5326

Spirit and Cessna Announce more than $2 Million Investment in Technical Education Campus

Wichita, Kan. – Two aviation companies today announced an investment of more than $2 million for equipment and scholarships for the proposed new technical education campus at Jabara Airport.

Cessna Aircraft Company and Spirit AeroSystems, Inc. will each invest $1.05 million to provide state-of-the-art equipment for the new campus and scholarships for students to pursue technical education training. The commitments will be funded at $350,000 each year over three years beginning in 2007.

Board of County Commissioners Chairman Ben Sciortino thanked the companies for their investment in the new campus. “These companies are both our legacy and our future. We must ensure they have the workforce now and for decades to come,” Sciortino said. “Their support of this effort shows their commitment to their workers and their home town. For our community, technical education isn’t a luxury, but a necessity.”

Jeff Turner, CEO of Spirit AeroSystems, Inc. said, “Every day our companies in Wichita compete with companies around the world for business, and we face a common need – a pool of skilled, capable and motivated workers and a system that can efficiently train them. The County’s leadership on this issue is impressive and shows a commitment to our community’s future. Spirit AeroSystems is investing in the manufacturing training because it’s good business.”

These lead gifts mark the start of the private sector commitment of $5 million for the proposed campus. The Kansas Technical Training Initiative (KTTI) is leading the private sector effort and expects other companies to announce investments and show support.

“Cessna is pleased to make this investment in our community and our company’s future in Wichita,” said Jack Pelton, Chairman, President and CEO of Cessna Aircraft Company. “Our hope is that all businesses recognize the importance now and for years to come and will invest in world-class technical training.”

The Wichita City Council has voted to commit land at Jabara through a lease agreement with Sedgwick County. The Board of County Commissioners is scheduled to vote April 5 on the project.

“Wichita is a great city with great companies and people,” said Mayor Carlos Mayans. “We are proud to be a partner in this effort to keep businesses and high-paying jobs here.”

The private sector goal of $5 million is for equipment and scholarships. The project total is estimated at $36 million. State and federal funding is being pursued.

“This is a top priority for our business community and aviation manufacturing companies,” said Peter Gustaf, KTTI Executive Director. “In addition, we will be seeking commitments from other aviation companies and general manufacturing companies to invest in this first phase.”

Company contacts:

Cessna Aircraft Company – Doug Oliver – 517-1927

Spirit AeroSystems – Fred Solis – 526-2598

Sedgwick County – Kristi Zukovich – 660-9370