Textron Aviation’s Cessna SkyCourier aircraft has been awarded type certification by Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), expanding the aircraft’s ability to support operational activities in some of the most remote areas of North America.
The first SkyCourier in the region – a freighter variant – is expected to be delivered this year to Air Bravo Corporation, a passenger, cargo and air ambulance flight service company based out of Ontario.
“The SkyCourier’s outstanding performance will be a game-changer for our customers across Canada,” said Lannie O’Bannion, senior vice president, global sales and flight operations at the US-based aircraft manufacturer.
“The maximum flexibility and low operating costs of this aircraft make it an excellent choice for a wide range of missions throughout the region.”
The twin-engine, large utility turboprop is available in both passenger and freighter format.
The freighter variant of the SkyCourier features a flat-floor cabin that is sized to handle up to three LD3 shipping containers with 6,000 pounds of payload capability.
Both variants offer a large cargo door and single-point pressure refuelling to enable faster turnarounds. Both configurations can also be operated by a single pilot.
With its short take-off and landing capability, the aircraft can operate from smaller runways, reaching remote communities and serving locations with limited infrastructure.
The aircraft is powered by two wing-mounted Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-65SC turboprop engines and features the McCauley Propeller C779, a heavy-duty 110-inch aluminum four-blade propeller, which is full feathering with reversible pitch.
Additionally, the SkyCourier is operated with Garmin G1000 NXi avionics and has a maximum cruise speed of more than 200 ktas and a 900 nautical-mile maximum range.
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) granted type certification for Textron Aviation’s Cessna SkyCourier in March 2022. Textron Aviation then delivered the first of 50 Cessna SkyCourier freighters to FedEx Express in May 2022. FexEx feeder airline Mountain Air Cargo became the first company to operate the SkyCourier in January 2023.
FedEx Express was the Cessna SkyCourier’s launch customer after signing a deal in 2017. The company agreed to an initial fleet order of 50 cargo aircraft and options for 50 more.
In August 2023, the SkyCourier was also awarded type certification by the National Civil Aviation Authority of Brazil (ANAC).
The FAA also granted certification for the SkyCourier Combi interior configuration in May
