The Next Big Thing in Flight Has Arrived – Cessna SkyCourier Twin Utility Turboprop Earns FAA Type Certification

Rhea-AI Summary

Textron Aviation has received FAA type certification for its new Cessna SkyCourier, a twin-engine, large-utility turboprop designed for cargo and passenger transport. The SkyCourier, featuring advanced manufacturing processes, is set to enter the market with launch customer FedEx Express, which has placed a fleet order for 50 aircraft with options for an additional 50. The aircraft offers low operating costs and is equipped with advanced avionics, allowing for significant cargo capacity and operational efficiency.

Positive

• FAA certification for the Cessna SkyCourier enhances Textron's market position.
• FedEx Express has placed an initial order of 50 aircraft, showcasing strong customer demand.
• The aircraft is designed for low operating costs, increasing its appeal to potential customers.

Negative

• None.

WICHITA, Kan.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Textron Aviation today announced the Federal Aviation Administration has granted type certification for the new twin-engine, large-utility turboprop Cessna SkyCourier. Using a clean-sheet design and advanced manufacturing processes, the high-wing aircraft’s production line is underway, and the first unit will soon enter the market with launch customer FedEx Express.

Textron Aviation's new twin-engine, large-utility turboprop Cessna SkyCourier has received type certification from the FAA. (Photo: Business Wire)

The Cessna SkyCourier is designed and produced by Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company.

“Achieving FAA certification for the Cessna SkyCourier demonstrates the expertise and hard work of our employees, as well as Textron Aviation’s continued investment in providing solutions for our customers,” said Ron Draper, president and CEO, Textron Aviation. “Our clean-sheet design brings to this segment what customers said they need: the ability to load, fly, unload and repeat with low operating costs and maximum cabin flexibility and efficiency. We expect the SkyCourier to be a workhorse of the fleet for FedEx and many other customers around the globe for decades to come.”

Three SkyCourier aircraft accumulated more than 2,100 hours throughout the flight test program, which formally started with an inaugural flight in May 2020. The company rolled out the first production unit of the SkyCourier earlier this year at the company’s manufacturing facility in Wichita.

Launch customer FedEx Express has agreed to an initial fleet order of 50 cargo aircraft and options for 50 more. FedEx Express participated in Textron Aviation’s Customer Advisory Board along with other fleet operators to help shape the aircraft’s design, features and serviceability.

About the Cessna SkyCourier

The Cessna SkyCourier twin-engine, high-wing turboprop offers a combination of performance and lower operating costs for air freight, passenger and special mission operators. In addition to the freighter version, there is a 19-passenger variant of the SkyCourier that includes separate crew and passenger entries for smooth boarding, as well as large cabin windows for natural light and views. Both configurations offer 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 large loads. The SkyCourier is operated with Garmin G1000 NXi avionics. It has a maximum cruise speed of more than 200 ktas and a 900 nautical-mile maximum range. The aircraft features a large door and a flat floor cabin, and the freighter version can hold up to three LD3 shipping containers with an impressive 6,000 pounds of payload capability.

About Textron Aviation

We inspire the journey of flight. For more than 90 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, Hawker, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Arctic Cat, Textron Systems, and TRU Simulation + Training. For more information, visit: www.textron.com.

Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements which may project revenues or describe strategies, goals, outlook or other non-historical matters; these statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. 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, including, but not limited to, the efficacy of research and development investments to develop new products or unanticipated expenses in connection with the launching of significant new products or programs; the timing of our new product launches or certifications of our new aircraft products; our ability to keep pace with our competitors in the introduction of new products and upgrades with features and technologies desired by our customers; changes in government regulations or policies on the export and import of our products; volatility in the global economy or changes in worldwide political conditions that adversely impact demand for our products; performance issues with key suppliers or subcontractors; and changes in aircraft delivery schedules or cancellations or deferrals of orders.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220311005268/en/

Media:

Keturah Austin

+1.316.517.0437

kaustin@txtav.com

txtav.com

Source: Textron

FAQ

What is the significance of the FAA certification for the Cessna SkyCourier?

The FAA certification allows Textron Aviation to market the Cessna SkyCourier, validating its design and safety for commercial operations.

Who is the launch customer for the Cessna SkyCourier?

FedEx Express is the launch customer for the Cessna SkyCourier, with an initial order of 50 aircraft.

When did the Cessna SkyCourier's flight test program begin?

The flight test program for the Cessna SkyCourier began in May 2020.

What are the unique features of the Cessna SkyCourier?

The Cessna SkyCourier offers low operating costs, large cargo capacity, advanced avionics, and configurations for both cargo and passenger transport.