The Cessna SkyCourier has received its type certification from Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), the regulatory body overseeing aviation in Canadian territory. This new certification will allow Textron to offer its new aircraft for missions in the most remote areas of North America.
It is expected that the first SkyCourier, in it’s cargo variant, will be delivered this year to Air Bravo Corporation, a Textron customer providing passenger, cargo, and air ambulance services. The airline operates four bases in Thunder Bay, Sudbury, Barrie, and Meaford, all located in the province of Ontario.
Lannie O’Bannion, Textron’s Senior Vice President of Global Sales and Flight Operations, stated that «the extraordinary performance of the SkyCourier will be a game-changer for our customers throughout Canada. The aircraft’s maximum flexibility and low operating costs make it an excellent choice for a wide range of missions across the region.»
The SkyCourier is a twin-engine turboprop capable of being operated by a single pilot. It is highly adaptable and can easily adjust configurations to efficiently complete nearly any mission. The aircraft is also capable of supporting a wide range of operational activities in remote areas.
The twin-engine turboprop is currently operated by two airlines in Alaska, reaffirming its capability to operate in the harsh winter conditions near the North Pole. Bering Air and Everts Air operate these aircraft from their bases in northern United States.
Textron Aviation’s new product has a substantial order backlog from various customers, primarily air cargo operators in remote regions such as Alaska, Hawaii, and the Marshall Islands. FedEx is the aircraft’s largest operator, with a total of 25 units and five more pending delivery. The cargo company’s original order was for 50 units.
In Latin America, the small regional Mexican airline, Aerus, will operate the passenger variant of the aircraft. This aircraft will complement the operations it currently performs with its Cessna C208 Caravans.
Currently, the global operational fleet of the SkyCourier consists of 33 aircraft:
- FedEx, 25 units;
- Lānaʻi Air, based in Lanai (LNY), Hawaii, 2 aircraft;
- Bering Air, based in Nome (OME), Alaska, 2 aircraft;
- Kamaka Air, based in Honolulu (PHL), Hawaii, 1 unit;
- Everts Air, based in Fairbanks International (FAI), Alaska, 1 aircraft;
- Samaritan’s Purse, based in Greensboro (GSO), 1 aircraft.
