Textron Aviation's Cessna SkyCourier twin utility turboprop has been awarded type certification by the Australia Certification & Accreditation Service Agency (ACASA), paving the way for the aircraft to serve remote communities, improve regional connectivity in Australia and cater to the region's diverse aviation needs.

This certification comes three months after the first SkyCourier order in Australia was signed by regional airline Hinterland Aviation. The aircraft, expected to deliver in 2026, will add to Hinterland’s expansive fleet of Cessna Grand Caravans to provide a greater payload capacity and increased passenger seating for the benefit of remote communities as well as the tourism and business sectors in Queensland..

"The SkyCourier's incredible performance makes it a reliable business tool for customers all over the world," says Lannie O'Bannion, senior vice president, global sales and flight operations. "This certification marks yet another milestone in the SkyCourier programme. With the ability to load, fly, unload and repeat, along with low operating costs and maximum cabin flexibility, the SkyCourier is a game-changer in reaching remote destinations."

The Cessna SkyCourier is designed to deliver unparalleled performance, unwavering reliability and cost-effective maintenance, with the ability to be operated by a single pilot and a generous payload capacity. The aircraft is highly adaptable and can easily adjust configurations to effectively complete virtually any mission, supporting a significant return on investment.

The Cessna SkyCourier twin-engine, high-wing turboprop offers a combination of performance and lower operating costs for air freight, commuter and special mission operators. It is available in both passenger and freighter versions, as well as equipped with a gravel kit option. The 19 passenger variant includes crew and passenger doors for smooth boarding, as well as large cabin windows for natural light and views. Both configurations offer single-point pressure refuelling to enable faster turnarounds.

The aircraft is powered by two wing-mounted Pratt & Whitney PT6A-65SC turboprop engines and features the McCauley Propeller C779, a heavy-duty and reliable 110-inch aluminium four-blade propeller, which is full feathering with reversible pitch. It is operated with Garmin G1000 NXi avionics, has a maximum cruise speed of more than 200ktas and a 900nm maximum range.