Business & GA

Western Michigan University’s (WMU) College of Aviation is to replace its fleet of Cessna 172 single-engine trainers with the Cirrus SR20 and SR22, eventually taking delivery of at least 130 aircraft under a 10-year lease agreement. The first 30 aircraft will be phased in beginning in mid-October. Battle Creek-based WMU’s existing fleet of 172s is to be phased out by the third quarter of next year, with the college expecting to reduce its aircraft maintenance costs by up to 60%.