First Production Cessna 408 SkyCourier Rolled Out Yesterday Textron Aviation announced that the first customer-bound Cessna 408 SkyCourier -which is intended for cargo customer Fedex- has been rolled out. Over 2,000 flight test hours so far have been racked-up over the time the three flight test articles have been carrying out test flights. Certification by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is anticipated in the first half of this year. Just remember the first flight took place approaching mid-2020.
Fedex has a significant order with Textron Aviation for this aircraft. They made a firm order for 50 of the Cessna 408 SkyCouriers. There is an option for the air-freight company to have 50 more of the type. At least three of these aircraft are expected to be delivered to Fedex this year. The numbers will significantly ramp-up in 2023 to 12, the same amount in 2024 as well as 2025 and then 11 in 2026 to round out the 50 firm on order. "Today is a rewarding day for our employees, who have worked to design and build what I believe will become a legendary airplane for our company," said Textron Aviation president and CEO Ron Draper. "The SkyCourier brings a combination of cabin flexibility, payload capability, performance, and low operating costs to the twin-engine utility segment. We look forward to this versatile aircraft entering the market very soon." The capabilities of the new 408 SkyCourier is appealing with a payload of up to 6,000 lbs. Cargo movements is facilitated via a 87-inch cargo door, a flat floor and capability to take three standard LD3 air cargo containers. The aircraft is powered by twin 1,100 shaft horse power Pratt & Whitney PT6A-65SC turboprop engines which are linked to dual 110-inch McCauley propellers. The aircraft can also be fitted with a commuter or even higher-end interior. In the cockpit is advanced too, giving the pilots ease with a Garmin G1000 NXi flight deck to interface with. For more information: Cessna Aircraft Company 1 Cessna Blvd. Wichita, KS 67215 www.cessna.com ***
