(EMAILWIRE.COM, March 10, 2003 ) Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) today announced that Charles B. Johnson has been named to lead its Cessna Aircraft business unit, the world's leading producer of light and mid-size business jets. Johnson, a 20-year Cessna veteran, will retain his current title of president as he takes over full responsibility for the unit from Russ Meyer who has been serving as CEO and chairman. Meyer will remain as chairman and be involved in strategic business matters. Both Johnson and Meyer will report directly to Textron Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Steve Loranger.

"For more than 20 years, Charlie has been a major contributor to Cessna's success. He brings not only a vast knowledge of the aviation industry and Cessna's products, but also a commitment to customers and operating excellence which clearly align with Textron's strategy to become a networked enterprise of powerful brands," said Loranger.

Meyer added, "Charlie is the perfect choice to continue building on Cessna's tradition of producing the finest aircraft with the best customer service in the industry. Charlie knows this company, its products and its employees better than anyone, and under his direction we are confident Cessna will continue its market leadership while bringing new and improved products which meet customer needs."

Johnson originally joined Cessna in 1979 as manager of production flight test. He served in a variety of positions in quality control and product support before being named vice president, aircraft completion and product support in 1988. He was promoted to senior vice president, operations in 1993, executive vice president of operations in 1995, and was named president and chief operating officer in 1997.

Johnson began his aviation career after completing U.S. Air Force pilot training in 1968. He accumulated over 1,000 hours of military flight time in the F-105, serving in combat in Southeast Asia. He holds Airline Transport and Instructor Pilot Certificates with type ratings in all Cessna Citation models and has logged over 14,000 hours of commercial flight time.

Johnson, a resident of Andover, Kan., is a member of the Kansas Business Roundtable, Wichita Metro YMCA Board of Directors, and is president of the Kansas Technical Training Initiative Board of Directors.

Meyer joined Cessna Aircraft Company in 1974 as executive vice president. He served as Cessna's chief executive officer from 1975 to 2000, and again from June 2002 to the present. He has been chairman since 1975. Meyer has received numerous aviation awards, including the most prestigious individual honor in aviation, the Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy, in 1995. In 1986 Meyer and Cessna received the Robert J. Collier Trophy, the first time this award had been presented to an individual or company in the general aviation industry.

"Russ' foresight and leadership have shaped Cessna into the premier company in the general aviation industry and we are thrilled that he is going to continue his long tradition of involvement with Cessna," said Loranger.

Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) is an $11 billion multi-industry company with 49,000 employees in 40 countries. The company leverages its global network of businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services in industries such as aircraft, fastening systems, industrial products and components and finance. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO and Greenlee, among others. More information is available at www.textron.com.

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Produced for Textron Inc.

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