Indonesia's Susi Air Buys 30 Grand Caravans

Cessna has signed  an agreement with Indonesia's Susi Air for the purchase of 30 Grand Caravan single engine turboprops. Cessna will deliver eight new Caravans in 2009 and the remainder of the order by the end of 2011.

The 30 Grand Caravans will augment Susi Air's existing fleet of 10 Grand Caravans. Susi Air began operations with two Caravans in December 2006, providing scheduled and charter passenger and cargo service throughout Indonesia, as well as humanitarian airlift support for the region.

"The Grand Caravan has proven to be the ideal aircraft for transportation of people and cargo throughout Indonesia and Susi Air will soon be operating the largest fleet in Asia. They now have three models equipped with the latest Garmin G1000 avionics, terrain and traffic awareness systems, which improve operational capabilities and safety," said Bob Gibbs, Cessna's director of International Sales.

The Grand Caravan delivers pretty impressive performance -- In ISA conditions, at seal level, it climbs at 975 fpm and cruises at speeds up to 184 knots. With up to 340 cubic feet of cabin space, the Grand caravan can carry up to 12 passengers, a mountain of cargo or a healthy combination of both. With the Grand Caravan’s optional cargo pod, the aircraft offers a net gain of an additional 1,000 pounds of cargo/storage capacity within a 111.5 cubic foot pod.

FMI: www.cessna.com