Cessna 408 skycourier, robustness and simplicity, less is more…

Text.- Ferran Marín / Images.- Textron Aviation Cessna.

With Federal Express’s announcement in 2017 of its purchase order from Textron for 100 units of the future SkyCourier twin-turboprop, the American express delivery giant became the launch customer for Textron Aviation’s new Cessna aircraft.

Previously, both companies jointly developed the design of the new aircraft, with complete discretion and under FedEx’s initial premise, which made it clear that what they needed was a utility vehicle, a van with wings, if you will. They were looking for basic features, robustness, load capacity, low fuel consumption, and easy maintenance, without incorporating technological advances or other extras that could delay deliveries.

_{First flight made in 2020}

The SkyCourier is marketed in two versions: one configured for passengers, capable of carrying up to 19 passengers, also available in the combi option quickchange, which will be very versatile within regional aviation, and the cargo version with capacity for three LD3 containers, a 2.21-meter outward-opening door, which allows for fast and comfortable loading and unloading, as requested by Federal Express. Textron realized the idea of ​​manufacturing this fixed-wing high-wing aircraft without any pressurization, thereby reducing costs and achieving a high degree of low-cost operability.

By early 2022, the three test aircraft had accumulated more than 2,100 flight hours, while the first production aircraft for FedEx entered service on February 3, 2022. Federal Aviation Administration type certification was granted on March 11, 2022, following 2,100 hours of flight testing. Brazilian National Civil Aviation Agency certification was granted on August 8, 2023.

SkyCourier is equipped with a Garmin G1000 NXi, has a maximum cruising speed of 370 km/h (200 kt) and a range of 1,700 km, ideal for covering FedEx feeder routes.

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