Textron Aircraft has reached a significant milestone recently with the first delivery of the Cessna SkyCourier passenger variant. Western Aircraft Inc. DBA Lana’i Air will operate the the aircraft from Oahu Hawaii to the island of Lana’i. Textron / Cessna received certification and deliveries starting in 2022. Cessna produced the aircraft with a clean sheet design with versatility in mind. In particular, the passenger variant seats 19 passengers, has single point refueling and extra wide doors to aid with quick turn arounds. Two Pratt & Whitney PT6A-65SC turboprop engines enhance aircraft performance while handling heavy passenger and cargo loads with little difficulty.
Specialized Aircraft For Specialized Missions
American Manufacturer Textron, who owns Cessna built the SkyCourier with specialized missions in mind. FedEx employees provided input on some of the design specifications. Specialized LD3 containers can be loaded onboard for additional freight capacity and easy loading. Over 50 aircraft have been ordered for FedEx with options for 50 more. Western aircraft Inc. will use the passenger variant for short island hops to destinations around Hawaii. Mexican regional carrier Aerus has ordered two SkyCourier’s and will fly the aircraft on short haul flights.
