LATEST ISSUE
December 2024
Volume 15, Issue 03
Cessna SkyCourier Achieves Canada Type Certification, Bringing Operational Support to Remote Regions of North America
Textron Aviation’s versatile Cessna SkyCourier aircraft has been awarded type certification by Transport Canada, enhancing its operational capabilities across Canada’s remote regions.
Textron Aviation’s Cessna SkyCourier aircraft has officially received type certification from Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), paving the way for the aircraft to expand
its operational reach in some of the most remote and challenging regions of North America. This marks a significant milestone for the SkyCourier, a robust and adaptable twin-engine turboprop that is poised to revolutionize air transport across Canada.
The first SkyCourier freighter variant in the region is expected to be delivered later this year to Air Bravo Corporation, an Ontario-based flight service provider that specializes in passenger, cargo, and air ambulance operations. The certification is set to bolster Air Bravo’s fleet and enhance its ability to serve Canada’s vast, often underserved regions.
A Game-Changer for Remote Regions According to Lannie O’Bannion, senior vice president of global sales and flight operations at Textron Aviation, the SkyCourier’s certification
in Canada is a “game-changer” for customers across the country. The aircraft’s performance, combined with its flexibility and low operating costs, makes it an ideal solution for a variety of missions, from cargo transport to medical evacuations, particularly in remote communities.
“The SkyCourier’s versatility will enable us to provide a more reliable and efficient service to Canada’s diverse and often isolated locations,” O’Bannion said. “Its combination of capacity, rugged design, and cost-efficiency ensures it is a perfect fit for operations across the region.” Designed for Flexibility and Efficiency The SkyCourier is available in both
passenger and freighter configurations, each designed to meet the specific demands of the regions it serves. The freighter variant boasts a flat-floor cabin capable of accommodating up to three LD 3 shipping containers and a 6,000-pound payload capacity. Its large cargo door and single-point pressure refueling system allow for rapid turnarounds, a crucial factor for operators managing time-sensitive missions.
Moreover, the aircraft’s short take-off and landing (STOL ) capability enables it to operate from smaller, less-developed airstrips, giving it the ability to reach remote communities
with limited infrastructure. The SkyCourier is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT 6A-65SC turboprop engines and features a heavy-duty McCauley Propeller C779.
The aircraft’s advanced avionics system, Garmin G1000 NXi, ensures pilots have the necessary tools for safe and efficient flight, while its impressive maximum cruise speed of
over 200 knots and 900 nautical-mile range make it well-suited for long-haul operations in rugged environments.
A Growing Global Presence The SkyCourier’s Canadian certification follows its earlier approvals in other regions. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA ) granted type certification in March 2022, with Textron Aviation delivering the first of 50 SkyCourier freighters to FedEx Express in May 2022. FedEx Express, which was the launch customer for
the aircraft, also ordered an additional 50 units. Mountain Air Cargo, a FedEx feeder airline, became the first operator of the SkyCourier in January 2023. In addition to its FAA certification, the SkyCourier was awarded type certification by Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Authority (ANA C) in August 2023, further expanding its reach in international markets. The FAA also approved the SkyCourier’s Combi interior configuration in May 2023, allowing for mixed-use operations, which can combine both cargo and passenger transport.
A New Era for Air Transport With its robust design, flexible configuration options, and high performance capabilities, the Cessna SkyCourier is positioned to play a crucial role in the future of air transport, especially in regions like Canada, where access to remote areas is vital for both commercial and emergency services. Whether serving cargo routes, medical flights, or passenger transport, the SkyCourier is a testament to Textron Aviation’s commitment to innovation and meeting the unique demands of today’s aviation industry.
As Canada’s aviation market continues to demand aircraft capable of serving challenging environments, the SkyCourier stands ready to deliver on its promise of efficiency, reliability, and versatility.
Archive
Previous Issues
Copyright © 2024 Profiles Media Network Pvt Ltd. All Rights Reserved.