Albuquerque, New Mexico-based South Aero has taken delivery of the 500th Cessna Grand Caravan EX from Textron Aviation. Since its first Grand Caravan purchase in 2007, the company has grown its charter and freight service business to include five Cessna Caravans running nearly 11 flights per day. Providing services throughout the continental US with primary operations in New Mexico, Arizona and Texas, the family-owned company manages a fleet of all Cessna aircraft with nearly 30 employees.

“The dependability and load carrying capability of the Grand Caravan EX allows our fleet to operate for thousands of hours across the continental US,” says owner and CEO Wayne South. “This is an outstanding aircraft for our operations and a platform that our pilots love to fly.”

The Grand Caravan EX offers customers a robust platform for cargo, passenger or special mission activities. With club and commuter interiors that can accommodate up to 14 occupants, a useful load of 3,692 lb and a maximum range of 912 nm, it is a multi-mission aircraft for charter operators and freight carriers worldwide. Additional platform variants, such as the amphibian or cargo pod modifications, expand the capabilities of the aircraft in special mission environments.