17 March 2022
The US authority, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), has granted type certification for the new twin-engine, large-utility turboprop Cessna SkyCourier.
The high-wing aircraft’s production line is underway, and the first unit will soon enter the market with launch customer FedEx Express.
Ron Draper, president and CEO, Textron Aviation, said, “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.”
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.
