Textron's Newest Twin Iteration Goes to Work

The first of Cessna's Combi-equipped SkyCouriers has been handed over to Everts Air, an Alaskan-based Part 135 operator.

That's a suitable client for Textron's little gamble, an aircraft that builds on the same rough & tumble legacy cemented by its fixed-gear, single engine turboprop the Grand Caravan. Operators like Everts are the perfect customer for Cessna's new aircraft, particularly the new "Combi" layout that splits the difference between all-cargo and all-passenger. With the Combi layout, Everts can use the SkyCourier as a flexible do-anything bird wherever they need it. It splits the difference between the standard 19-passenger model and the seatless freighter, allowing for 9 passengers in the cabin along with a hefty load of cargo. In Alaska, that's a very sweet combination, given its reliance on air transport for a whole host of necessities. Everts probably won't have much trouble filling up the back on any leg, whether that's a pallet of goodies for outlying settlements or some extra fuel to reposition along the logistics chain. Cessna offers some more off-airport bonafides, like a gravel kit to make sure the bird's ready for some more serious Alaskan strips.

“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 Cessna SkyCourier’s new Combi option demonstrates the aircraft’s ability to meet the versatile mission profiles of our customers around the world,” said Lannie O’Bannion, senior vice president, Sales and Flight Operations. “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.”

“I look at the Cessna SkyCourier as a next generation aircraft for Bush Alaska,” said Robert W. Everts, owner of Everts Air. The firm's well acquainted with the SkyCourier already, with one freighter in the stables alongside a handful of Caravans. “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 and the ultimate solution for air freight and passenger support in Alaska.”

FMI: www.txtav.com