Cessna SkyCourier Celebrates Five Years Since First Flight
Textron Aviation is commemorating the five-year anniversary of the maiden flight of the Cessna SkyCourier, a clean-sheet, twin-engine, high-wing utility turboprop that has quickly established itself as a game-changing solution for a wide range of aviation missions. Developed and manufactured by Textron Aviation Inc., a subsidiary of Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT), the SkyCourier has evolved from concept to a proven platform with a growing global presence and a loyal customer base.
Launched with an ambitious vision to redefine the utility turboprop category, the SkyCourier has met and exceeded expectations for reliability, performance, and versatility. As the aircraft celebrates this milestone, Textron Aviation is not only reflecting on past achievements but also reinforcing its commitment to the future of the program through strategic investment and continuous innovation.
SkyCourier: Built to Meet the Demands of Modern Utility Aviation
The first flight of the SkyCourier prototype took place on May 17, 2020, marking a significant moment in Textron Aviation’s rich legacy of aircraft development. Designed from the ground up to meet the rigorous demands of modern utility operations, the SkyCourier was engineered with direct feedback from launch customer FedEx Express. The result is an aircraft capable of performing a wide array of missions—from freight and passenger transport to humanitarian and special mission operations.
With its high-wing configuration, twin Pratt & Whitney PT6A-65SC engines, and rugged fixed landing gear, the SkyCourier is optimized for operations in remote and challenging environments. Its ability to operate on unimproved runways, coupled with fast turnaround times, high payload capacity, and flexible configurations, makes it a unique offering in its class.
A Trusted Global Asset for Diverse Operators
In the five years since its first flight, the Cessna SkyCourier has been adopted by operators around the world, fulfilling a variety of roles. Its mission versatility has become one of its strongest assets. The aircraft is available in two primary variants—a dedicated freighter and a 19-passenger configuration. Additionally, Textron Aviation has introduced optional kits to enhance the aircraft’s adaptability. These include a gravel kit, which enables safe operations on unpaved airstrips, and a combi conversion kit, which allows operators to reconfigure the aircraft for both cargo and passenger transport on the same flight.
“The versatility of the Cessna SkyCourier enables operators to tackle diverse mission profiles and operate in some of the most challenging environments in the world,” said Lannie O’Bannion, Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Textron Aviation. “With two variants of the aircraft and the optional gravel and combi conversion kits, the SkyCourier has brought innovative solutions to our customers around the globe.”
From supporting logistics in island nations to enabling regional connectivity in rugged terrains, the SkyCourier has proven itself a dependable platform. In particular, its cargo variant has become a crucial component in fleet modernization efforts by logistics companies seeking a reliable, low-maintenance workhorse that delivers speed, capacity, and operational efficiency.
Supporting Growth with Infrastructure Expansion
As the SkyCourier program gains momentum, Textron Aviation is proactively scaling its operations to meet growing demand. In line with this vision, the company announced a significant 52,000-square-foot expansion of its production flight test hangar located on the East Wichita Campus in Kansas. This facility expansion will add six new hangar bays to the north side of the existing complex, enabling the company to support increased production rates and ensure the efficient testing of each aircraft before delivery.
The investment highlights Textron Aviation’s confidence in the SkyCourier’s long-term prospects and its strategic importance in the company’s product portfolio. It also reaffirms the company’s commitment to Wichita, a city that has long been synonymous with aviation excellence.
Certification Milestones Around the World
Since achieving FAA type certification in March 2022, the Cessna SkyCourier has steadily expanded its international footprint through additional certifications in various countries. These approvals are critical in enabling aircraft delivery, operation, and registration in global markets. The SkyCourier is now certified in more than eight countries, including:
- July 2022 – Certified in the Bahamas
- September 2022 – Certified in Suriname
- February 2023 – Optional gravel kit made available
- June 2023 – Certified in Brazil
- August 2023 – Certified in Mexico
- May 2024 – Certified in Australia
- May 2024 – Combi conversion kit certified by FAA
- July 2024 – Certified in the Philippines
- December 2024 – Certified in Canada
Each certification milestone demonstrates both the demand for the aircraft and the company’s successful collaboration with international aviation authorities. These achievements also reflect Textron Aviation’s commitment to rigorous compliance and quality assurance, ensuring that SkyCourier operators receive not only a high-performing aircraft but one that is fully validated for safe operation across various regulatory environments.
Recent Highlights and Customer Deliveries
In addition to regulatory progress, Textron Aviation has celebrated several commercial milestones. Notably, the SkyCourier has recently been delivered to a Canadian customer for the first time, marking a key moment in the aircraft’s expansion into the North American regional market beyond the U.S. Similarly, the first order from the Marshall Islands represents a meaningful endorsement from an operator reliant on aviation for regional connectivity across remote island communities.
These developments underscore the aircraft’s suitability for a range of operating environments—especially those requiring short takeoff and landing (STOL) capabilities, high payload capacity, and minimal infrastructure requirements.
Continued Innovation and Market Expansion
Textron Aviation remains focused on expanding the SkyCourier’s global reach and enhancing its capabilities. Ongoing feedback from Cessna customers plays a central role in informing future upgrades, accessory kits, and potential new variants. Whether it’s through cabin enhancements, mission-specific equipment, or software upgrades for avionics, the SkyCourier is poised for continuous evolution.
The aircraft’s success also opens up opportunities in emerging sectors such as medical evacuation (medevac), disaster relief, and sustainable regional aviation—particularly in markets underserved by traditional air transport options. As the need for reliable, flexible aircraft grows, the SkyCourier is well-positioned to fill the gap.
Moreover, Textron Aviation’s commitment to sustainable manufacturing and fuel efficiency positions the SkyCourier as a responsible Cessna choice for operators aiming to reduce their environmental impact. Its turboprop engines offer efficient fuel burn rates, while its lightweight design supports long-term sustainability goals.
As Textron Aviation celebrates five years since the Cessna SkyCourier first took to the skies, the company is Cessna charting a bold course for the future of utility aviation. Backed by a strong foundation of innovation, customer collaboration, and a clear vision, the SkyCourier program is not just a success story—it is a testament to what’s possible when advanced engineering meets real-world mission needs.
With expanding certifications, new international customers, infrastructure investment in Wichita, and a proven track record across diverse operations, the SkyCourier is on course to remain a cornerstone of Textron Aviation’s product lineup for years to come.