Textron Aviation Delivers First Cessna SkyCourier Combi, Providing Even More Flexibility and Versatility to the Twin-Engine Utility Turboprop
Textron Aviation has announced the delivery of its first Cessna SkyCourier twin-engine utility turboprop with a Combi interior conversion to Everts Air, an Alaskan-based operator.
This newly certified option, approved by the FAA in May 2024, allows for the accommodation of both passengers and cargo simultaneously, enhancing the aircraft’s versatility. Everts Air, which operates in Alaska and throughout the Americas, will add this aircraft to its existing fleet, including the SkyCourier freighter variant and six Cessna Caravans.
Textron's senior VP, Lannie O’Bannion, highlighted the aircraft's adaptability for diverse missions and global markets, serving various sectors like government, law enforcement, and commercial operations. The Combi conversion option joins the existing gravel kit and full freighter conversion, providing greater operational flexibility.
- Textron Aviation delivered the first Cessna SkyCourier with a Combi interior conversion.
- The Combi option, certified by the FAA in May 2024, allows for both passenger and cargo transport simultaneously.
- Everts Air, a significant operator in Alaska and the Americas, added the aircraft to its fleet, emphasizing its adaptability and reliability.
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Insights
The new delivery of the **Cessna SkyCourier Combi** variant underscores Textron Aviation's commitment to versatility and market adaptation. The ability to switch between passenger and cargo configurations enhances its appeal, particularly in regions like Alaska where transport needs can vary significantly. This adaptability can meet diverse operational requirements, from commercial enterprises to government and charitable organizations. By including such flexibility, Textron aims to capture a larger market share within the utility turboprop segment.
For **Everts Air**, having a versatile fleet can improve operational efficiency and cost management. The FAA certification of this new configuration might also signal further model enhancements, which could attract more global customers. Investors should monitor further adoption and customer feedback for this model, as it could influence Textron's market positioning and future sales projections.
The delivery of the first **SkyCourier Combi** illustrates Textron Aviation's strategy to diversify its product offerings and cater to a broader range of customer needs. This move could positively impact Textron's financial performance by opening new revenue streams and enhancing customer retention. The certification by the FAA adds credibility and could lead to increased orders, driving sales growth.
An important aspect for investors is Textron's ability to capitalize on this new variant. If the Combi shows strong demand, it could boost Textron's share price and enhance their market valuation. Additionally, it's essential to keep an eye on **Everts Air**'s operational performance with the new aircraft, as it could set a precedent for other operators to follow, potentially leading to further sales.
Textron Aviation | Cessna SkyCourier Combi (Photo: Business Wire)
The Cessna SkyCourier is designed and manufactured by Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company.
“The Cessna SkyCourier’s new Combi option demonstrates the aircraft’s ability to meet the versatile mission profiles of our customers around the world,” said Lannie O’Bannion, senior vice president, Sales and Flight Operations. “We are grateful that longtime Cessna customers like Everts Air recognize the value in our products as business tools and their capability in serving customers.”
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) granted certification for the SkyCourier Combi interior configuration in May 2024. The recently certified option adds more flexibility to the 19-seat passenger variant of the aircraft by allowing operators to modify the interior to accommodate passengers and cargo at the same time. In addition to the existing gravel kit and full freighter conversion options, the Combi conversion expands the aircraft’s utility for diverse global markets and a wide variety of missions, catering to customers such as government bodies, law enforcement, armed forces, businesses and charitable groups.
The aircraft will join the Everts Air Alaska 135 fleet, which also includes a Cessna SkyCourier freighter variant and six Cessna Caravans.
“I look at the Cessna SkyCourier as a next generation aircraft for Bush Alaska,” said Robert W. Everts, owner of Everts Air. “The SkyCourier Combi will allow us to be flexible and serve the unique needs of citizens in remote communities. Along with offering the reliability of a Cessna, the aircraft is highly adaptable and the ultimate solution for air freight and passenger support in Alaska.”
About the Cessna SkyCourier
The Cessna SkyCourier twin-engine, high-wing turboprop offers a combination of performance and lower operating costs for air freight, commuter, and special mission operators. It’s available in both freighter and passenger variants. The 19-passenger variant includes separate crew and passenger doors for smooth boarding, a large baggage compartment and large cabin windows for natural light and views. The freighter variant features a flat floor cabin that is sized to handle up to three LD3 shipping containers with an impressive 6,000 pounds of payload capability. Both variants offer a large cargo door and single-point pressure refueling to enable faster turnarounds.
The aircraft is powered by two wing-mounted Pratt & Whitney PT6A-65SC turboprop engines and features the McCauley Propeller C779, a heavy-duty and reliable 110-inch aluminum four-blade propeller, which is full feathering with reversible pitch, designed to enhance the performance of the aircraft while hauling tremendous loads. The SkyCourier features Garmin G1000 NXi avionics and has a maximum cruise speed of more than 200 ktas. The SkyCourier has a 900-nautical-mile maximum range.
About Textron Aviation
We inspire the journey of flight. For more than 95 years, Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. company, has empowered our collective talent across the Beechcraft, Cessna and Hawker brands to design and deliver the best aviation experience for our customers. With a range that includes everything from business jets, turboprops, and high-performance pistons, to special mission, military trainer and defense products, Textron Aviation has the most versatile and comprehensive aviation product portfolio in the world and a workforce that has produced more than half of all general aviation aircraft worldwide. Customers in more than 170 countries rely on our legendary performance, reliability and versatility, along with our trusted global customer service network, for affordable and flexible flight. For more information, visit www.txtav.com | www.defense.txtav.com | www.scorpionjet.com.
About Textron Inc.
Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell, Cessna, Beechcraft, Pipistrel, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Arctic Cat, Textron Systems, and TRU Simulation. For more information, visit: www.textron.com.
Certain statements in this press release may project revenues or describe strategies, goals, outlook or other non-historical matters; these forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update them. These statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240710876388/en/
Media:
Duane Frazier
+1.316.517.1114
dfrazier2@txtav.com
txtav.com
Source: Textron Aviation
FAQ
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