PROVIDENCE – Textron Aviation Inc. announced Tuesday the creation of a new twin-engine turboprop airplane called the Cessna SkyCourier 408.
While the plane can be configured for both cargo and passengers, the initial customer will be FedEx Express, which has signed on for an initial order of 50 cargo aircraft with an option to add another 50. Entry into service for the plane by the company is planned for 2020.
Seifert Systems Invests in Energy Efficiency to Strengthen Operations
For manufacturers, energy is more than just another operating expense. It plays a critical role…
Learn More
“With our depth of expertise and proven success in new product development, we were eager to work directly with a world-class company like FedEx Express to jointly develop the Cessna SkyCourier,” said Scott Ernest, president and CEO of Textron Aviation, in a statement. “The aircraft will fulfill a gap in this market segment with its superior performance and low operating costs in combination with the cabin flexibility, payload capability and efficiency only a clean-sheet design can offer.”
The cargo variant of the SkyCourier 408 will feature a cargo door and a flat floor cabin, with a 6,000 pound maximum payload. The passenger variant will support up to 19 passengers.
The plane has a maximum speed of 200 knots true air speeed and a 900 nautical-mile maximum range.
FedEx Express has utilized another Textron Aviation plane, the Cessna Caravan platform, in its feeder aircraft fleet for more than 30 years.
Chris Bergenheim is the PBN web editor.
