Kansas-based Textron Aviation has rolled out the first production unit of its new Cessna SkyCourier, a clean-sheet design, twin-engine, large-utility turboprop soon to scoot across North America's skies delivering FedEx freight. Since first ordering the plane over four years ago, FedEx has collaborated with Textron to help finalize the aircraft’s design, manufacturing methods, materials, and product features.

First Cessna SkyCourier is rolled out ready for delivery

The nifty turboprop, which packs a big punch for its size, is over two years late - ostensibly due to COVID-related issues. FedEx ordered 50 of the planes in late 2017, with options for 50 more. The global freight giant is pouring money and other resources into modernizing and expanding its fleet, including at the feeder end of the market.

Ron Draper, President and CEO of Textron Aviation, said last week's rollout was a rewarding day for Textron's employees who've spent years designing and building the plane.

“The SkyCourier brings an impressive combination of cabin flexibility, payload capability, performance, and low operating costs to the twin-engine utility segment," he said in a statement. "We look forward to this highly versatile aircraft entering the market very soon.”

https://newsroom.fedex.com/newsroom/fedex-express-introduces-new-feeder-aircraft/
A rendering of the SkyCourier in FedEx livery. Photo: FedEx

A small plane that packs an oversized punch

Last week was not the first sighting of the SkyCourier. Textron has been test-flying three of them since mid-2021. Last week's rollout marked the end of the final testing stage for the first plane, effectively rendering it delivery-ready. FedEx expects to take the first three SkyCouriers by mid-year.

To date, FedEx has relied on single-engine Cessna Caravan 208s to form the backbone of its feeder fleet. Generally, FedEx owns the small planes and leases them to other freight airlines to operate into ports where FedEx does not - whether because of regulatory, logistical, or economic reasons.

But the SkyCourier has nearly twice the cargo capacity of the Cessna Caravan 208s. Unlike the Caravans, which are too small to handle FedEx's pallets and usually fly with loosely packed freight, the SkyCourier features a large door and a flat floor cabin sized to handle up to three LD3 shipping containers and has a maximum payload capacity of 6,000 pounds.

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Textron's SkyCourier aircraft in flight. Photo: Textron Aviation

SkyCourier optimizes performance while offering lower operating costs

Among other things, that makes loading and unloading the planes a far quicker process, minimizing turnaround times and maximizing flying time. Textron says their new plane offers a combination of performance and lower operating costs for operators.

Powering the SkyCourier are two wing-mounted Pratt & Whitney PT6A-65SC turboprop engines that utilize the McCauley Propeller C779, a heavy-duty and well-regarded 110-inch aluminum four-blade propeller. The propeller features full feathering with reversible pitch designed to enhance the aircraft's performance while hauling tremendous loads.

The SkyCourier is operated with Garmin G1000 NXi avionics and has a maximum cruise speed of more than 230 miles (370 kilometers) per hour with a 1,035 mile (1,666 kilometer) maximum range.

After the first three deliveries, FedEx plans on taking 12 SkyCouriers every financial year for the next three years. That will see 39 of the aircraft flying for FedEx by September 30, 2025. The freight company will take the last 11 SkyCouriers between then and September 30, 2026. There is no word yet whether FedEx will exercise its SkyCourier options.