Textron Aviation has
announced its new twin-engine, high-wing, large-utility turboprop -
the Cessna SkyCourier 408.
FedEx Express, the
world’s largest express transportation company and longtime Textron
Aviation customer, has signed on as the launch customer for up to
100 aircraft, with an initial fleet order of 50 cargo aircraft and
options for 50 more. Entry into service for the clean-sheet design
Cessna SkyCourier is planned for 2020.
“With our depth
of expertise and proven success in new product development, we were
eager to work directly with a world-class company like FedEx Express
to jointly develop the Cessna SkyCourier,” said
Scott Ernest,
president and CEO of Textron Aviation. “The aircraft will fulfill a
gap in this market segment with its superior performance and low
operating costs in combination with the cabin flexibility, payload
capability and efficiency only a clean-sheet design can offer.”
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FedEx
Express Cessna SkyCourier |
Built for high
utilization operations, the Cessna SkyCourier 408 will be offered in
cargo and passenger variants. The cargo variant will feature a large
cargo door and a flat floor cabin that is sized to handle up to
three LD3 shipping containers with an impressive 6,000 pounds of
maximum payload capability. The aircraft will also afford a maximum
cruise speed of up to 200 ktas and a 900 nautical-mile maximum
range.
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Cessna
SkyCourier passenger variant |
The efficient
19-passenger variant will include crew and passenger doors for
smooth boarding, as well as large cabin windows for great natural
light and views. Both configurations will offer single-point
pressure refueling to enable faster turnarounds. The Cessna Caravan
platform has set the standard in the single-engine utility category
for decades. The Cessna SkyCourier will build on that proven success
in the large-utility category, offering even greater capability and
mission flexibility.
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Cessna
SkyCourier cargo variant |
FedEx Express order
Textron Aviation has
built a strong relationship with FedEx Express, which has utilized
the Cessna Caravan platform in its feeder aircraft fleet for over 30
years.
“FedEx Express
has had a great relationship with Textron Aviation over the years,
and this new, advanced aircraft will play a key role in our feeder
aircraft modernization strategy,” said
David L. Cunningham,
president and CEO of FedEx Express. “The Cessna SkyCourier 408
offers a number of significant features that will enhance our
long-term feeder strategy.”
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Textron
Aviation and FedEx leadership at signing ceremony (L to
R): David L. Cunningham, president and CEO, FedEx
Express; David J. Bronczek, president and COO,
FedEx Corp.; Scott Donnelly, chairman, president
and CEO, Textron Inc.; Scott Ernest, president
and CEO, Textron Aviation. |
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