Cessna set to bring cargo to all corners of the Philippines
23 / 08 / 2024
Photo: Textron Aviation
Textron Aviation’s Cessna SkyCourier twin utility turboprop has gained type certification in the Philippines, expanding the freight and passenger aircraft’s market into remote areas of southeast Asia.
The first SkyCourier in the region – a 19-seat passenger variant – is due to be delivered in the second half of 2025 to Leading Edge Air Services Corporation in the Philippines.
In August 2023, the Cessna SkyCourier was awarded type certification by the National Civil Aviation Authority of Brazil (ANAC).
Textron says that the SkyCourier’s single pilot capability and generous payload make it an ideal solution for airfreight. The twin-engine, high-wing turboprop is available in freighter, passenger of combi configuration and there is also a gravel kit to avoid damage on unpaved runways.
The freighter variant can handle up to three LD3 containers and offers 6,000 pounds of payload.
The aircraft has a maximum cruise speed of over 200 knots and a 900 nautical-mile maximum range. Single-point pressure refuelling enables enable faster turnarounds, said Textron.
Senior vice president for global sales and flight operations, Lannie O’Bannion, said: “Demand for the SkyCourier continues to grow throughout the APAC region due to the aircraft’s outstanding performance and reliability. The SkyCourier features maximum cabin flexibility with low operating costs and has quickly proven to be an excellent business tool for customers and their missions. We’re excited to celebrate this great milestone for the program.”
Wichita, Kansas-based Textron Aviation includes the Cessna, Beechcraft and Hawker brands and claims to have produced more than half of all general aviation aircraft worldwide.
