Cessna Aircraft Company announced this week it was the high bidder in bankruptcy court for the Bend, Oregon-based Columbia Aircraft Manufacturing company. The sale for $26.4 million is anticipated to be completed by December 4, at which time the Bend operation will take on the Cessna name.

Columbia has produced more than 600 aircraft in its 10-year history. “The Columbia models are a good fit with our existing product line,” Cessna Chairman, President and CEO Jack. J. Pelton said. “We look forward to providing existing Columbia owners with improved levels of service and support and introducing new customers to these outstanding aircraft.”

“We plan to make significant investments in Bend, in people and operations, to bolster customer satisfaction and business profitability. We will continue to improve quality, reliability and performance as we strive to deliver customer value and fulfill our commitments,” Pelton said.