Textron Aviation t has delivered a Cessna Grand Caravan EX Amphibian turboprop to Malaysian property developer Ikhasas Sdn Bhd, through its subsidiary Oriental Sky Sdn Bhd. Operated by local charter service Systematic Aviation Services (SAS), the aircraft will facilitate passenger transport between Kuala Lumpur and a new waterfront resort on the Perhentian Islands, marking Malaysia’s first recent amphibious airplane operation. The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia granted necessary approvals for domestic operations, set to commence in 2024.
The Textron Aviation Inc., a subsidiary of Textron Inc., has crafted and delivered the Cessna Grand Caravan EX Amphibian.
According to Ir. Tan Chee Kian, Managing Director of the Ikhasas group, seaplanes offer a more convenient means of reaching the Perhentian Islands compared to the current 6-hour road journey and one-hour ferry ride from Kuala Besut. The 11-seater aircraft will transport passengers directly from Kuala Lumpur to the waters near the beachside resort, saving time and preserving the islands’ pristine environment.
Tony Jones, Vice President of International Sales (Asia-Pacific), expressed honor in the selection of the Grand Caravan EX Amphibian, citing its versatility, excellent operating economics, comfortable cabin, large windows for sightseeing, and float capability for landing anywhere as ideal for Ikhasas’ sustainable tourism goals. He also highlighted Malaysia’s significance as a market for Textron Aviation, with their products leading the country’s general aviation aircraft sector, serving various purposes such as VIP transport, tourism, air ambulances, and skydiving.
About the Cessna Grand Caravan EX
The Cessna Caravan platform has seen more than 3,000 aircraft delivered that are certified in 100 countries with nearly 24 million flight hours amassed worldwide since the aircraft was introduced. Caravans fulfill roles for multiple missions, ranging from flight training to recreation, commuter airlines to VIP transport, cargo carriers, and humanitarian missions. The Grand Caravan EX aircraft is known for its dependable and efficient performance by regional airlines, charter operators, cargo carriers, and special mission operators worldwide. The aircraft offers an impressive output of 867 horsepower and a rate of climb of 1,275 feet per minute.
Endless Special Missions Possibilities
When government, military, and commercial customers want airborne solutions for critical missions, they turn to Textron Aviation. The company’s aviation solutions provide the high performance and flight characteristics required to address the unique challenges of special mission operations. With unparalleled quality, versatility, and low operating costs, Textron Aviation products are chosen for air ambulance, ISR, utility transport, aerial survey, flight inspection, training, and several other special operations.
About Textron Aviation
We inspire the journey of flight. For more than 95 years, Textron Aviation has empowered our collective talent across the Beechcraft, Cessna, and Hawker brands to design and deliver the best aviation experience for our customers. With a range that includes everything from business jets, turboprops, and high-performance pistons, to special missions, military trainers, and defense products, Textron Aviation has the most versatile and comprehensive aviation product portfolio in the world and a workforce that has produced more than half of all general aviation aircraft worldwide. Customers in more than 170 countries rely on our legendary performance, reliability, and versatility, along with our trusted global customer service network, for affordable, productive, and flexible flights.
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About Textron
Textron is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial, and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell, Cessna, Beechcraft, Pipistrel, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Arctic Cat, and Textron Systems. For more information, visit: www.textron.com.
Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements that may project revenues or describe strategies, goals, outlook, or other non-historical matters; these statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, changes in aircraft delivery schedules or cancellations or deferrals of orders.