Textron Aviation today announced the Cessna SkyCourier twin utility turboprop has been awarded type certification by the National Civil Aviation Authority of Brazil (ANAC), paving the way for the aircraft to serve the dynamic and expansive Brazilian market and cater to its diverse aviation needs.
The Cessna SkyCourier is designed and manufactured by Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company.
“The Cessna SkyCourier’s high payload capacity, short takeoff and landing capability, and cost-efficiency make it a great choice for operators in Brazil,” said Lannie O’Bannion, senior vice president, Global Sales and Flight Operations. “The aircraft’s versatility and performance equip customers in the region with smart solutions for their unique missions and circumstances.”
The aircraft offers an unparalleled combination of performance, capacity, and capability, positioning it as a catalyst for enhanced regional connectivity, efficient cargo transportation, and reliable regional passenger operations. The SkyCourier is an ideal fit for Brazil’s diverse geography, remote locations, and growing demand for air transportation.
The SkyCourier’s adaptability allows for seamless transitions between different mission profiles, including passenger transport, cargo delivery, and special mission operations. With its short takeoff and landing capability, the aircraft can operate from smaller runways, reaching remote communities and serving locations with limited infrastructure. Additionally, the recently certified gravel kit option further expands the SkyCourier’s capability to operate from unimproved runways.
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 variant, 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.
Designed with serviceability at the forefront, the SkyCourier features simple systems and easy access points throughout the aircraft for easy maintenance. The team also developed innovative ways to optionally convert the aircraft from a 19-seat passenger configuration to a cargo configuration using patent-pending quick-release seats and removable bulkheads.
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 cargo door and a flat floor cabin, and the freighter variant can hold up to three LD3 shipping containers with an impressive 6,000 pounds of payload capability.
