Cessna SkyCourier Combi Configuration Certified by Brazil’s Civil Aviation Authority
Textron Aviation’s Cessna SkyCourier has reached a new milestone in its global journey, as the aircraft’s innovative Combi configuration kit recently received certification from the National Civil Aviation Agency of Brazil (Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil – ANAC). This regulatory approval not only clears the way for expanded operations of the SkyCourier in Brazil but also signals its debut in the South American aviation market. The first unit delivered under this certification has officially joined the fleet of Cleiton Táxi Aéreo (CTA), a Brazilian charter company with deep operational roots in the Amazon region.
This milestone marks a significant step for both Textron Aviation and Cleiton Táxi Aéreo. The delivery of the SkyCourier in its versatile Combi configuration represents a new era of regional aviation in South America, where the need for flexible, reliable, and rugged aircraft is particularly high due to the continent’s diverse geography and widespread remote communities.
A Versatile Platform Built for Challenging Environments
Designed and manufactured by Textron Aviation Inc., a subsidiary of Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT), the Cessna SkyCourier is a high-wing, twin-engine, large-utility turboprop aircraft engineered to support a wide array of operations, including cargo transport, regional passenger service, and special mission applications. Since its first flight in 2020 and entry into service in 2022, the SkyCourier has gained attention for its robust construction, operational efficiency, and configurable design.
The aircraft delivered to CTA was initially ordered in the standard 19-passenger variant. However, it has been equipped with conversion kits that enable operators to easily reconfigure the interior into a 9-passenger and cargo Combi layout, or into a full-freighter mode. This modular approach allows for seamless adaptation to shifting operational demands—a vital feature in regions like the Amazon, where both passengers and critical supplies must often be transported on the same route.
In addition to its configurable cabin, CTA’s SkyCourier also features the optional gravel runway kit. This enhancement gives the aircraft the capability to operate from unpaved and remote airstrips, significantly expanding the range of destinations it can serve. Such a feature is particularly relevant in Brazil, where many communities and industries, including mining, agriculture, and environmental research stations, are only accessible via rugged airstrips in remote areas.
A Strategic Addition to Cleiton Táxi Aéreo’s Regional Fleet
The acquisition of the SkyCourier is a strategic move for Cleiton Táxi Aéreo, a charter operator with a long-standing presence in Brazil’s vast and challenging northern territories. The company was founded by Cleiton Sérgio de Sousa and has a history of operating Textron Aviation aircraft dating back to its purchase of the Cessna 210 Centurion in 1995. That aircraft was the starting point for CTA’s operations across the Amazon, providing chartered passenger flights and air logistics in areas underserved by traditional airlines.
Over the years, CTA’s fleet has expanded to include a variety of Textron Aviation models, such as the Cessna Caravan and the Beechcraft King Air. Each aircraft in the fleet serves specific roles—from passenger transport and air ambulance services to cargo delivery and aerial surveying. The addition of the Cessna SkyCourier now gives CTA a powerful new platform that combines the reliability and simplicity of the Caravan with greater payload capacity and enhanced configurability.
“Our operations have always required aircraft that can do more with less—more capacity, more reach, and more flexibility, while still being efficient and durable,” said Cleiton Sérgio de Sousa. “The Cessna SkyCourier checks all those boxes. It’s an ideal aircraft for our mission profile in Brazil, and we are proud to be the first operator of this aircraft in South America.”
CTA’s current order includes two Cessna SkyCourier aircraft with identical configurations, with the second unit scheduled for delivery in 2026. This phased integration plan reflects the company’s long-term strategy to enhance regional service offerings and meet the growing demand for reliable air transportation in Brazil’s underserved interior.
Expanding Global Reach and Operational Footprint
Textron Aviation’s leadership has emphasized the importance of international certifications and global market expansion as key pillars of the SkyCourier program. With ANAC’s certification now secured, the aircraft is cleared to operate commercially in Brazil, the largest country in South America and a critical aviation market due to its vast size, complex geography, and underdeveloped regional ground infrastructure.
“The Cessna SkyCourier is an excellent aircraft to support regional missions and services across South America,” said Lannie O’Bannion, senior vice president of Sales & Marketing at Textron Aviation. “We look forward to seeing the impact this versatile and hardworking turboprop will have on CTA’s operations and on regional connectivity in Brazil as a whole.”
In addition to the recent certification and delivery in Brazil, the SkyCourier program has achieved several other notable milestones. These include the first delivery to Canada and the aircraft’s first order from the Marshall Islands—highlighting growing interest from international operators in remote or island regions who need an aircraft that combines high payload capabilities with rugged versatility.
SkyCourier: Five Years of Evolution and Operational Proof
Since the prototype’s first flight in 2020, the Cessna SkyCourier has continued to build momentum as a modern utility aircraft suited for a wide range of applications. Its dual-engine design enhances safety and redundancy, while the high-wing configuration improves visibility and facilitates cargo loading. The aircraft is powered by two Pratt & Whitney PT6A-65SC engines and can cruise at speeds up to 210 knots with a range of approximately 900 nautical miles.
Designed from the outset with input from launch customer FedEx Express, the SkyCourier offers an excellent platform for both cargo and passenger operators. Its ability to accommodate standard pallets and containerized freight makes it highly attractive to logistics companies, while its low operating cost appeals to passenger carriers looking to serve thin or remote routes.
The SkyCourier’s entry into service coincided with rising global demand for regional connectivity—particularly in emerging markets where economic development, natural resource management, and population growth are driving the need for better transportation options.
A New Chapter in South American Aviation
With its ANAC certification in hand and its first aircraft now operational in Brazil, the Cessna SkyCourier is poised to become a transformative asset for regional aviation in South America. Whether serving as a lifeline to remote communities, a logistics workhorse for mining operations, or a passenger shuttle across the Amazon basin, the SkyCourier brings new capability and confidence to operators seeking a versatile and dependable aircraft.
For Cleiton Táxi Aéreo, this marks a significant evolution in its journey from a single Cessna 210 to becoming a pioneering operator of the SkyCourier in South America. For Textron Aviation, it underscores the growing global appeal of the SkyCourier platform and the company’s commitment to meeting the unique needs of operators in diverse and challenging environments.
As more deliveries are made and certifications expand across other regions, the SkyCourier’s reputation as a flexible, no-nonsense utility aircraft is likely to grow—alongside the communities and businesses it is designed to serve.