Textron Aviation has completed the delivery of its first Cessna SkyCourier equipped with the new Combi interior conversion option.
This aircraft was delivered to Everts Air, an Alaskan-based Part 135 operator. The operator is known for its diverse aviation services throughout the Last Frontier.
Everts Air, a long-standing Cessna customer, has built its reputation on providing essential passenger, cargo, and charter services across Alaska’s challenging terrain.
The company’s operations extend beyond state borders, with Part 121 services offering cargo and on-demand charter flights. It operates throughout North, Central, and South America, as well as the Caribbean Islands.
SkyCourier Combi Option
Lannie O’Bannion, senior vice president of Sales and Flight Operations at Textron Aviation, spoke about the maiden delivery.
“The Cessna SkyCourier’s new Combi option demonstrates the aircraft’s ability to meet the versatile mission profiles of our customers around the world.”
“We are grateful that longtime Cessna customers like Everts Air recognize the value in our products as business tools and their capability in serving customers.”
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) granted certification for the SkyCourier Combi interior configuration in May 2024. This marking the commencement of the provision of more flexible aircraft interiors.
This innovative option adds a new dimension to the already versatile 19-seat passenger variant of the SkyCourier.
Operators can now modify the interior to accommodate both passengers and cargo simultaneously, offering unprecedented flexibility for diverse mission requirements.
The Combi conversion joins existing options such as the gravel kit and full freighter conversion. It further expands the SkyCourier’s utility across global markets.
This adaptability makes the aircraft an attractive choice for a wide array of customers. This includes government agencies, law enforcement departments, armed forces, businesses, and charitable organizations.
Everts Air Operations
For Everts Air, the new SkyCourier with Combi interior will join an impressive fleet. This already includes a SkyCourier freighter variant and six Cessna Caravans.
This addition underscores the company’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge aviation technology to serve Alaska’s unique transportation needs.
Robert W. Everts, owner of Everts Air, shared his perspective on the acquisition. “I look at the Cessna SkyCourier as a next generation aircraft for Bush Alaska.”
“The SkyCourier Combi will allow us to be flexible and serve the unique needs of citizens in remote communities. Along with offering the reliability of a Cessna, the aircraft is highly adaptable.It offers the ultimate solution for air freight and passenger support in Alaska.”
About the Cessna SkyCourier
The Cessna SkyCourier itself is a marvel of modern aviation engineering. This twin-engine, high-wing turboprop offers an optimal balance of performance and cost-efficiency for air freight, commuter, and special mission operators.
Available in both freighter and passenger variants, the SkyCourier is designed to meet diverse operational needs.
The 19-passenger variant features separate crew and passenger doors for smooth boarding, a spacious baggage compartment. The cabin is complement by large cabin windows that provide ample natural light and scenic views.
The freighter variant boasts a flat floor cabin capable of accommodating up to three LD3 shipping containers. This allows an impressive 6,000 pounds of payload capacity.
Both variants come equipped with a large cargo door and single-point pressure refueling system, enabling rapid turnarounds – a crucial factor in high-demand operational environments.
At the heart of the SkyCourier’s impressive performance are two wing-mounted Pratt & Whitney PT6A-65SC turboprop engines.
These are complemented by the McCauley Propeller C779, a robust 110-inch aluminum four-blade propeller known for its reliability and full feathering capability with reversible pitch.
The cockpit features the advanced Garmin G1000 NXi avionics suite, providing pilots with state-of-the-art navigation and situational awareness tools.
With a maximum cruise speed exceeding 200 knots and a range of up to 900 nautical miles, the SkyCourier offers the perfect blend of speed, range, and payload capacity for operators like Everts Air.
Click the banner to subscribe to our weekly newsleter.
Click the photo to join our WhatsApp channel so then you can stay up to date with everything going on in the aviation industry!
