Textron has made significant enhancements to its Cessna Caravan and Cessna Grand Caravan EX utility turboprop aircraft. A brighter, modernised flight deck with new backlit panels, along with other amenities designed to elevate the pilot experience, are the direct result of continuous conversations with customers. The enhancements are expected to be available in 2025 and will be standard on all new Caravan and Grand Caravan EX aircraft.

“The enhancements to the Cessna Caravan flight deck demonstrate our continued commitment to providing the best possible flight experience for our customers,” says Christopher Crow, vice president, piston and utility sales. “Our ongoing investments in this family of aircraft continue to build on the Caravan's nearly 40 year history of success as the utility aircraft of choice for customers around the world.”

One of the most notable changes to both aircraft is the all-new black cockpit panels, creating a more contemporary appearance. The Caravan will also have electroluminescent lighting panels to match current Grand Caravan EX models, providing additional backlight for greater visibility in dimly lit environments.

Other enhancements include:

- A wider cockpit boarding ladder for easier access to the captain's side of the aircraft;

- Four circular, adjustable air nozzles to replace the previous two rectangular cockpit air vents;

- Two USB-C charging ports to replace the 12V power adapter on the lower centre pedestal of the cockpit;

- Two USB-C charging ports on the right-hand subpanel for the copilot;

- Standard power headset jacks (LEMO plugs) alongside the existing general aviation plugs, offering operators greater flexibility in powering active noise cancelling headsets;

- Headset hooks underneath the cockpit glareshield.