With six Cessna SkyCouriers delivered in 2022, flying for launch customer FedEx, the model has yet to enter passenger service—but that’s about to change.
Textron Aviation has delivered the first of its twin turboprop SkyCouriers to Western Air—doing business as Lana’i Air in Hawaii—which plans to operate the model on its interisland routes connecting Oahu to resorts on Lana’i.
“The Cessna SkyCourier is well on its way to becoming a legendary aircraft for our company,” said Lannie O’Bannion, senior vice president of global sales and flight operations for Textron Aviation. “It’s highly versatile, with cabin flexibility, payload capability, performance, and low operating costs, and has already proven to be popular around the world.”
The passenger configuration swaps out the rear cargo door and open area to fit three LD3 shipping containers for an up to 19 passenger-seat installation—with large windows suitable for viewing the incredible scenery between Honolulu and Lana’i. With a 900-nm range and 200 kts cruise speed, the SkyCourier targets the short-haul mission well.
While the SkyCourier was delivered in the passenger configuration, the cabin design makes exchanging the seating for a cargo-only profile relatively easy.
The SkyCourier is powered by two Pratt & Whitney PT6A-65SC turboprop engines, paired with McCauley C779 full-feathering, 110-inch, four-blade props. Up front, the flight deck features the Garmin G1000 NXi integrated avionics suite.
