Textron Aviation's twin-engine turboprop the Cessna SkyCourier has been awarded type certification by Transport Canada, expanding the aircraft's ability to support operational activities in some of the most remote areas of North America.

The first SkyCourier in the region, a freighter variant, is expected to be delivered this year to Air Bravo Corporation, a passenger, cargo and air ambulance flight service company based out of Thunder Bay, Sudbury, Barrie and Meaford in Ontario since 2001. The aircraft has already been certified by the FAA and ANAC.

“The SkyCourier's outstanding performance will be a game-changer for our customers across Canada,” says Lannie O'Bannion, senior vice president, global sales and flight operations. “The maximum flexibility and low operating costs of this aircraft make it an excellent choice for a wide range of missions throughout the region.”

The SkyCourier is an ideal solution for air freight, passenger and special missions. With the ability to be operated by a single pilot, the aircraft is highly adaptable and can easily adjust configurations to effectively complete virtually any mission, supporting a significant return on investment. The aircraft also has capabilities to support a wide range of operational activities in remote areas.

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's available in both freighter and passenger variants, as well as with a combi configuration or gravel kit for maximum flexibility. The 19-passenger variant includes separate crew and passenger doors for smooth boarding, a large baggage compartment and large cabin windows for natural light and views.

The freighter variant features a flat-floor cabin that is sized to handle up to three LD3 shipping containers with an impressive 6,000 pounds of payload capability. Both variants offer a large cargo door and single-point pressure refuelling to enable faster turnarounds.

The aircraft is powered by two wing-mounted Pratt & Whitney Canada 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, designed to enhance the performance of the aircraft while hauling tremendous loads. The SkyCourier is operated with Garmin G1000 NXi avionics and has a maximum cruise speed of more than 200 kts and a 900 nm maximum range.