New Floor Plan Splits The Difference Between Freighter and Passenger Operations

Textron has been granted certification of a new interior conversion for passenger-layout SkyCouriers, allowing operators to carry 9 pax and a load of cargo at the same time.

Cessna is hoping that their new high-wing twin turboprop will find some stable footing in the market once released, so any way to cajole fence sitters into jumping aboard is fair game. The basic design has already taken on the usual 19-passenger commuter market, but the boom in online shopping has done much to empower smaller cargo lines around the world. If they can really nail it in offering a reliable, affordable little bird to small-time operators, they might just be the next Twin Otter thanks to their global footprint and clean-sheet design. 

"This newly certified combi kit adds to the growing list of options for the versatile Cessna SkyCourier," said Lannie O'Bannion, senior vice president, Global Sales and Flight Operations. "The Combi will allow operators to use the aircraft for an even broader range of missions globally and quickly change configurations to best serve their needs."

In a standard cargo version, a SkyCourier freighter can haul a trio of LD3 shipping containers, provided they come in under its 6,000-lb payload. In passenger guise, the SkyCourier offers front and rear loading doors for easy access, in addition to expansive windows and a 5,000-lb payload. The 2+1 seating is a boon for commuter ops, too, granting some assistance to traveling families that require supervision of one of the kids throughout the flight. Now, with 3 layouts on the books and a gravel kit in the option catalog, the SkyCourier fits even more mission profiles.

FMI: www.cessna.txtav.com