Cirrus Aircraft, founded in 1984 by Alan and Dale Klapmeier, is a leading American aircraft design, manufacturing, maintenance, management, and flight training company. Headquartered in Duluth, Minnesota, it operates multiple facilities across the U.S. and has international sales offices. It is majority-owned by the Chinese government-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC). Cirrus Aircraft is famous for producing the best-selling piston aircraft in the industry and was the first to introduce a civilian single-engine personal jet, the Vision SF50.
The company started with homebuilt kit aircraft VK-30. It moved into certified piston aircraft with the SR20 in 1998 and SR22 in 2000, transforming general aviation with composite materials, glass cockpits, and integrated whole-airframe parachute safety systems (CAPS®). The SR22 has been the world's best-selling GA airplane since 2002.
In June 2023, Cirrus Aircraft filed for an IPO on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange to raise approximately $300 million but raised about $180 million net proceeds upon its July 2024 debut. The IPO was managed to avoid registration with the U.S. SEC, restricting American participation initially.
SR20, SR22, SR22T (turbocharged), and the Vision Jet. Cirrus is notable for advanced safety features like the CAPS whole-airframe parachute, first FAA-certified composite designs with full glass cockpits, and a strong commitment to sustainable aviation fuels. Their recent delivery volumes have set records with over 731 aircraft delivered in 2024, totaling revenues exceeding $1 billion.
Cirrus Aircraft is mostly organic in growth, its expansion covers aircraft manufacturing and a broad ecosystem with flight training, aircraft maintenance, management, financing, and customer support services through Cirrus Services to enhance customer experience and loyalty.
Recent developments include integrated digital ecosystems connecting aircraft and owners, sustainable fuel adoption, and broadening service offerings beyond manufacturing to lifestyle and customer experience-based solutions.
Cirrus emphasizes innovation, safety, quality, and premium customer experiences. It focuses on lifelong customer relationships underpinned by advanced technology integration and comprehensive service. The company is proud of its safety-first approach with pioneering CAPS parachute systems standard on all models.
Cirrus Aircraft has a global customer base in over 55 countries, with authorized service centers in 32 countries. Its community includes private owners, flight training centers, and operators appreciating advanced technology and safety in personal and business aviation.
