General Aviation Cessna SkyCourier receives FAA type certification

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the largest aviation authority in the United States and has now issued the type certificate for Cessna´s latest aircraft, the SkyCourier. This is the next milestone in the aircraft program, which has been performed over the past years.

With this certificate, the FAA ensures that the aircraft has been well designed and manufactured and that all measures have been taken to guarantee a maximum of safety during operations. Without the type certification, Textron Aviation would not be able to begin with customer deliveries.

Over the course of the flight test program, Cessna has performed flights with the SkyCourier and has been in the air for more than 2100 hours. The test phase started with the maiden flight back in May 2020. Earlier this year, Textron Aviation rolled out the first production unit of the Cessna SkyCourier at its facilities in Wichita.

Launch operator FedEx Express will soon receive the first SkyCourier. According to Cessna, the production line is already underway with the first customer unit to soon enter the market with the freight giant.

Ron Draper, president and CEO, Textron Aviation, commented: “Our clean-sheet design brings to this segment what customers said they need: the ability to load, fly, unload and repeat with low operating costs and maximum cabin flexibility and efficiency. We expect the SkyCourier to be a workhorse of the fleet for FedEx and many other customers around the globe for decades to come.”

“Achieving FAA certification for the Cessna SkyCourier demonstrates the expertise and hard work of our employees, as well as Textron Aviation’s continued investment in providing solutions for our customers,” Draper added.

Launch customer FedEx Express will use the aircraft on regional routes and has ordered a total of 50 cargo aircraft with purchase options for 50 more. The company has been an integral partner to Textron Aviation in developing design, features and serviceability.

The SkyCourier is a twin-engine high-wing turboprop and offers low operating costs for air freight, special mission and passenger operators. Next to the freighter version, the passenger variant can accommodate 19 persons.