The first of 50 next-generation twin-turboprop freighters, the Cessna SkyCourier, has been delivered to FedEx Express. Textron Aviation made the announcement on Monday regarding the “clean-sheet” twin-engine, high-wing turboprop aircraft, which it says “offers a combination of performance and lower operating costs for air freight, passenger and special mission operators.”
Members of the SkyCourier team gathered for a photo in front of the completed aircraft. Staffers from FedEx collaborated with the Textron team on the plane’s design in an effort that took more than four years. Textron Aviation President and CEO Ron Draper called it an extension of a lengthy partnership between the two companies.
“FedEx took delivery of its first Cessna in the mid-1980s and the two companies have had a collaborative relationship over the four decades since,” he said. “We’re thrilled to deliver this aircraft that will help FedEx serve its customers more efficiently as it is designed with the option to carry industry-standard prepacked cargo containers. We believe many other air freight, passenger and special mission operators also will benefit from the winning combination of low operating costs and unparalleled lift capacity that the new Cessna SkyCourier brings to the market.”
In addition to the order of 50 planes, FedEx has an option to buy an additional 50.
PREVIOUS GLOBALAIR.COM COVERAGE OF THE CESSNA SKYCOURIER:
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About the Cessna SkyCourier twin-turboprop aircraft used by FedEx Express
Granted FAA certification in Math, the Cessna SkyCourier can transport a maximum of 19 passengers with a maximum payload of 5,000 lbs. with passengers and 6,000 lbs. for freight. It has a maximum range of 900 nautical miles and 400 nautical miles for a 5,000-lb. payload.
The SkyCourier features a large door and a flat floor cabin that is sized to handle up to three LD3 shipping containers with an impressive 6,000 pounds of payload capability.
Two wing-mounted Pratt & Whitney PT6A-65SC turboprop engines power the SkyCourier, with 110-inch aluminum four-blade McCauley Propeller C779s, which are full feathering with reversible pitch to help the plane maintain performance while hauling heavy loads.
The cockpit is equipped with Garmin G1000 NXi avionics.
“For nearly 50 years, FedEx has been known for being flexible and innovative in finding solutions for our customers, and this aircraft will help us better serve small and medium markets where we aren’t able to operate our larger aircraft,” said Scot Struminger, CEO and executive vice president of aviation, FedEx Express. “The SkyCourier will make us more efficient, now being able to move containerized and palletized freight for our customers.”
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