Cessna 408 SkyCourier

{{Infobox aircraft begin

| name = Cessna 408 SkyCourier

| image = File:2021-07-27 CessnaSkyCourier.jpg

| caption = SkyCourier prototype in flight

}}{{Infobox aircraft type

| type = Utility aircraft

| national origin = United States

| manufacturer = Cessna (Textron Aviation)

| first flight = May 17, 2020

| introduction = May 9, 2022{{cite web |last1=Hemmerdinger |first1=Jon |title=Textron delivers first Cessna SkyCourier, to FedEx |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/airframers/textron-delivers-first-cessna-skycourier-to-fedex/148569.article/ |website=Flight|date= May 9, 2022}}

| retired =

| status = In production

| primary user = FedEx Feeder

| more users =

| produced =

| number built = 41 (January 2025){{Cn|date=June 2025}}

| developed from =

| variants with their own articles =

}}

The Cessna 408 SkyCourier is an American utility aircraft designed and built by the Cessna division of Textron Aviation.

It was launched on November 28, 2017, with an order for 50 from FedEx Express, with the aircraft designed for the needs of its FedEx Feeder service.

It made its first flight on May 17, 2020, and was type certified on March 11, 2022. FedEx took delivery of the first production model on May 9, 2022.{{cite web |last1=Hagl |first1=Chase |title=Textron Aviation Delivers FedEx's First Cessna SkyCourier |url=https://airlinegeeks.com/2022/05/13/textron-aviation-delivers-fedex-s-first-cessna-skycourier |website=AirlineGeeks |access-date=22 July 2022}}

The SkyCourier is a twin-turboprop, high-wing monoplane, available as a 19-passenger regional airliner, a cargo variant that can carry three LD3 unit load devices, and a combi version with 9 passenger seats and a rear-cabin cargo area.

The non-pressurized design is built from aluminium and is equipped with Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A engines and fixed landing gear.

The {{convert|19,000|lb|adj=on}} MTOW airplane can cruise up to {{convert|210|knots|lk=in}}, with a range of {{convert|386|nmi|lk=in}} with 19 passengers.

Development

The Model 408 was launched on November 28, 2017, by Textron Aviation, with an introduction planned for 2020, as a FAR Part 23 type certified design.{{cite news|url= https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2017-11-28/textron-launches-cessna-skycourier-100-plane-deal|title=Textron Launches Cessna SkyCourier with 100-Plane Deal|author=Kerry Lynch|date=November 28, 2017|work=AIN}} Like the earlier Cessna 208 Caravan, the 408's design was developed with FedEx Express to match the needs of FedEx Feeder service; FedEx requested an aircraft that could haul {{cvt|6000|lb|kg}}, twice the payload of the 208, and could accommodate entire LD3 sized unit load devices.{{cite web|url=https://www.avweb.com/blogs/insider/Cessna-and-FedEx-Renew-Their-Vows-229986-1.html|title=Cessna And FedEx Renew Their Vows|access-date=December 15, 2017|last=Bertorelli|first=Paul|work=AVweb|date=November 30, 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://newsroom.fedex.com/newsroom/fedex-express-introduces-new-feeder-aircraft/|title=FedEx Express Introduces New Feeder Aircraft - Modernization of feeder fleet continues with Cessna SkyCourier 408 designed for FedEx|access-date=27 June 2021|author=FedEx|author-link=FedEx|work=newsroom.fedex.com|date=28 November 2017|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210627235621/https://newsroom.fedex.com/newsroom/fedex-express-introduces-new-feeder-aircraft/ |archive-date=27 June 2021|url-status=live}}

FedEx Express was the launch customer, with an order of "50 cargo aircraft and options for 50 more".{{cite press release|url=http://txtav.com/en/newsroom/2017/11/textron-aviation-unveils-new-large-utility-turboprop-the-cessna-skycourier|title=Textron Aviation unveils new large-utility turboprop, the Cessna SkyCourier; FedEx Express signs as launch customer for up to 100 aircraft|date=November 28, 2017|publisher=Textron Aviation Inc.}}{{cite web|url=https://www.aircargonews.net/airlines/freighter-operator/fedex-to-be-launch-customer-for-new-cessna-turboprop/|date=November 28, 2017|title=FedEx to be launch customer for new Cessna turboprop|work=Air Cargo News|access-date=October 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191015222324/https://www.aircargonews.net/airlines/freighter-operator/fedex-to-be-launch-customer-for-new-cessna-turboprop/ |archive-date=October 15, 2019|url-status=live}} Its unit cost then was $5.5 million.{{cite news|url= http://aviationweek.com/business-aviation/textron-launches-new-skycourier-turboprop-cargo-pax-versions |title= Textron Launches New SkyCourier Turboprop With Cargo, Pax Versions|date=28 November 2017|author=Molly McMillin|work=Aviation Week Network}}

Initial wind tunnel tests were completed in March 2018.{{cite web|url=https://media.txtav.com/194401-cessna-skycourier-completes-initial-wind-tunnel-testing-final-design-takes-shape|title=Cessna SkyCourier completes initial wind tunnel testing|author=Duane Frazier|date=18 March 2018|work=Textron SkyCourier|access-date=16 July 2021}} The first flight was originally planned for 2019 and first deliveries anticipated in 2020.{{cite web|url=https://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/Textron-Reports-On-SkyCourier-Progress-230434-1.html|title=Textron Reports On SkyCourier Progress|access-date=March 14, 2018|last=Grady|first=Mary|work=AVweb|date=March 13, 2018}} FedEx initially planned to take monthly deliveries over four years starting in 2020, and a similar pace for a second batch, if it agrees to that option.{{cite news|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/textron-launches-beech-1900-sized-skycourier-with-fe-443667/|title=Textron launches Beech 1900-sized SkyCourier with FedEx order|date=November 28, 2017|author=Stephen Trimble|work=FlightGlobal}}

A full-scale mockup of the 19-passenger cabin was displayed at the October 2018 National Business Aviation Association convention.{{cite news|url=https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2018-10-17/textron-debuts-skycourier-mockup-pax-config|title=Textron Debuts SkyCourier Mockup in Pax Config|author=James Wynbrandt|date=October 17, 2018|work=AIN}}

The mating of the wing and fuselage of the first aircraft was completed in December 2019.{{cite press release|title=Textron Aviation marks successful wing and fuselage mate of the first Cessna SkyCourier aircraft; begins next phase in development|url=https://txtav.com/en/newsroom/2019/12/textron-aviation-marks-successful-wing-and-fuselage-mate-of-the-first-cessna-skycourier-aircraft|publisher=Textron Aviation|date=December 19, 2019}} By March 2020, initial ground testing was completed, checking the fuel system, engines, avionics interfaces and electrical systems.{{cite news|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/skycourier-completes-initial-ground-testing/137481.article|title=SkyCourier completes initial ground testing|author=Kate Sarsfield|date=March 23, 2020|work=FlightGlobal}} The first flight was completed on May 17, 2020, operating from Beech Factory Airport for a 2-hour and 15-minute flight. The prototype aircraft, along with five additional flight and ground test articles, will be used for testing leading to certification.{{cite press release|title=First Cessna SkyCourier twin utility turboprop takes flight|url=https://txtav.com/en/newsroom/2020/05/first-cessna-skycourier-twin-utility-turboprop-takes-flight|date=May 17, 2020|publisher=Textron Aviation |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200518021538/https://txtav.com/en/newsroom/2020/05/first-cessna-skycourier-twin-utility-turboprop-takes-flight|archive-date=May 18, 2020}} The second prototype, which first flew in August 2020, was the first production-conforming aircraft and was used for testing the engines, propellers, environmental controls and avionics.{{cite web|url= https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/testing-testing-second-cessna-skycourier-flies/|title=Testing, Testing: Second Cessna SkyCourier Flies|access-date=12 August 2020|last=Cook|first=Marc|work=AVweb|date=11 August 2020|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200812133253/https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/testing-testing-second-cessna-skycourier-flies/|archive-date=12 August 2020|url-status=live}} A third test aircraft first flew in September 2020.{{cite web |last1=Boatman |first1=Julie |title=Textron Aviation Adds Third SkyCourier to Program |url=https://www.flyingmag.com/story/aircraft/textron-adds-third-skycourier-to-program/ |website=Flying |date= October 1, 2020}}

In April 2021, the company anticipated that certification would be completed by year's end and initial deliveries would occur in spring/summer 2022.{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/erictegler/2021/04/16/with-its-new-skycourier-textron-aviation-will-try-to-top-one-of-the-most-successful-cargo-aircraft-ever/?sh=617d5c492a02|title=With Its New SkyCourier, Textron Will Try To Top One of the Most Successful Cargo Aircraft Ever|date=16 April 2021|author=Eric Tegler|work=Forbes|access-date=16 July 2021}} The SkyCourier made its first public appearance at the EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh in 2021.{{Cite web|url=https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/cessna-skycourier-makes-public-debut-at-airventure-2021/|title=Cessna SkyCourier Makes Public Debut At AirVenture 2021|first=Mark|last=Phelps|date=July 26, 2021|work=AvWeb}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.flyingmag.com/story/aircraft/cessna-debuts-408-skycourier/|title=Cessna 408 SkyCourier Debuts at EAA AirVenture|website=Flying|date=July 27, 2021}}

By early 2022, the three test aircraft had accumulated over 2,100 flight hours as the first production aircraft for FedEx was rolled out on February 3, 2022.{{cite web|url= https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/first-production-skycourier-rolled-out/|title= First Production SkyCourier Rolled Out|access-date= 7 February 2022|last= Niles|first= Russ|work= AVweb|date= 5 February 2022|archive-url= https://archive.today/20220207130916/https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/first-production-skycourier-rolled-out/?MailingID=827|archive-date= 7 February 2022|url-status= live}} Cessna was aiming for certification in the first half of the year before first delivery later in 2022.{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/first-production-cessna-skycourier-breaks-cover/147385.article |title= First production Cessna SkyCourier breaks cover |author= Dominic Perry |date= 4 February 2022 |work= Flightglobal}} Federal Aviation Administration type certification was granted on March 11, 2022,{{cite news |last1=O'Connor |first1=Kate |title=Cessna SkyCourier Earns FAA Type Certificate |url=https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/cessna-skycourier-earns-faa-type-certificate/ |access-date=15 March 2022 |work=AVweb |date=14 March 2022}}{{cite web|url = https://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgMakeModel.nsf/0/36a209e87d536cd186258805006de974/$FILE/A00016WI.pdf|title = Type Certificate Data Sheet No. A00016WI |accessdate = 15 March 2022|author = Federal Aviation Administration|author-link = Federal Aviation Administration|date = 11 March 2022|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20220315125902/https://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgMakeModel.nsf/0/36a209e87d536cd186258805006de974/$FILE/A00016WI.pdf|archivedate = 15 March 2022|url-status= live}} after 2,100 hours of flight tests.{{cite press release |url= https://media.txtav.com/211907-the-next-big-thing-in-flight-has-arrived-cessna-skycourier-twin-utility-turboprop-earns-faa-type-certification |date= 14 March 2022 |title= The next big thing in flight has arrived – Cessna SkyCourier twin utility turboprop earns FAA type certification |publisher= Textron Aviation}} Certification by the National Civil Aviation Agency of Brazil was granted on August 8, 2023.{{cite web|url= https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/cessna-skycourier-receives-approval-from-brazilian-aviation-authority/|title= Cessna SkyCourier Receives Approval From Brazilian Aviation Authority|access-date= 9 August 2023|last= Phelps|first= Mark|work= AVweb|date= 8 August 2023|archive-url= https://archive.today/20230809104859/https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/cessna-skycourier-receives-approval-from-brazilian-aviation-authority/|archive-date= 9 August 2023|url-status= live}} Transport Canada Civil Aviation granted certification of the type in December 2024.{{cite web |last1=Hardee |first1=Howard |title=Cessna SkyCourier cleared by Transport Canada for potential 'remote' operations |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/airframers/cessna-skycourier-cleared-by-transport-canada-for-potential-remote-operations/161157.article |website=FlightGlobal |publisher=DVV Media International |access-date=7 February 2025 |date=17 December 2024}}

File:FedEx Feeder Cessna 408F SkyCourier N762FX.jpg

The first production aircraft was delivered to FedEx Express in May 2022.{{cite news |last=O'Connor |first=Kate |title=Textron Aviation Delivers First SkyCourier |url=https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/textron-aviation-delivers-first-skycourier/ |access-date=10 May 2022 |work=AVweb |date=9 May 2022|archive-url= https://archive.today/20220510013508/https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/textron-aviation-delivers-first-skycourier/|archive-date= 10 May 2022|url-status= live}} Mountain Air Cargo, which operates flights for FedEx, operated the first revenue flight of the type on January 3, 2023.

In February 2023, a gravel runway operations kit was approved for the aircraft.{{cite news |url= https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/cessnas-skycourier-gets-down-and-dirty-with-new-gravel-kit/|title= Cessna's SkyCourier Gets Down And Dirty With New 'Gravel Kit' |last= Phelps|first= Mark|work= AVweb|date= 7 February 2023|access-date= 8 February 2023|archive-url= https://archive.today/20230208123801/https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/cessnas-skycourier-gets-down-and-dirty-with-new-gravel-kit/|archive-date= 8 February 2023|url-status= live}}

In 2023, its equipped price was $7.195M for the freighter and $7.745M for the passenger version.{{cite news |url= https://infogram.com/bca-table-2023-turboprops-1ho16vorwrxm84n |title=Purchase planning handbook - turboprops table |date= Second Quarter 2023|work=Business & Commercial Aviation}}

The first 19-seat passenger variant was delivered in April 2023 for use by Western Aircraft, Inc. doing business in Hawaii as Lāna’i Air.{{Cite web |title=Aircraft Services & Management {{!}} Western Aircraft {{!}} Boise, ID |url=https://www.westair.com/ |access-date=2023-05-03 |website=Western Aircraft}}{{cite web|url= https://www.avweb.com/uncategorized/first-passenger-centric-cessna-skycourier-delivered/|title= First Passenger-Centric Cessna SkyCourier Delivered|access-date= 15 May 2023|last= Phelps|first= Mark|work= AVweb|date= 23 May 2023|archive-url= https://archive.today/20230524114406/https://www.avweb.com/uncategorized/first-passenger-centric-cessna-skycourier-delivered/|archive-date= 24 May 2023|url-status= live}}

In 2024, the price was $8.35M for the passenger variant and $7.75M for the cargo variant.

Design

File:2021-07-27 CessnaSkyCourierFuselageNose.jpg

The SkyCourier is a twin-turboprop, high-wing, utility aircraft.

It is available in a 19-passenger variant with large cabin windows and separate crew and passenger doors, or in a cargo variant sized for three LD3s and {{cvt|6,000|lb}} of payload, featuring a "large cargo door and a flat floor cabin". Its cruise speed is up to {{cvt|200|knots}}, with a maximum range of {{cvt|900|nmi}}. It also includes a single-point refueling system which reduces turnaround times.

The aircraft was designed to offer better cabin flexibility, payload capability, superior performance, and lower operating costs than its competitors; notably, the cabin was designed to accommodate heavier and bulkier cargo than comparable new aircraft.

The airframe consists of traditional aluminum materials and is equipped with proven Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-65 engines, fixed landing gear and Garmin G1000 avionics. The non-pressurized cabin is {{cvt|70|in|cm|0}} tall and wide, with a flat floor and an {{cvt|87|in|cm|0}} cargo door. The cabin of the passenger version is designed for quick conversion to a freight configuration; using patented quick-release fixtures, two people can remove the passenger seats and interior bulkheads in about one hour.{{cite web |url=https://skiesmag.com/news/how-textron-aviations-skycourier-utility-turboprop-is-positioning-in-the-market/ |title=How Textron Aviation's SkyCourier utility turboprop is positioning in the market |last=Larkin |first=Frederick K. |date=3 January 2024 |website=skiesmag.com |access-date=7 May 2024}}

Operational history

{{As of|2025|1|df=US}}, a total of 46 model 408s were registered in the United States with the Federal Aviation Administration.{{Cite web |date=23 January 2025 |title=Make / Model Inquiry (Search Textron 408) |url=https://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/Search/MakeModelInquiry |access-date=23 January 2025 |website=Federal Aviation Administration}} 13 SkyCouriers were delivered during 2024.{{cite web |last1=Hemmerdinger |first1=Jon |title=Textron Aviation's Q4 profit slips amid strike, while Denali certification continues |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/airframers/textron-aviations-q4-profit-slips-amid-strike-while-denali-certification-continues/161481.article |website=FlightGlobal |publisher=DVV Media International |access-date=22 January 2025 |date=22 January 2025}}

Variants

; Freighter (408F)

: Version to carry cargo including three LD3 containers. A roller mat floor is optional.{{cite web |title=Cessna SkyCourier (Freighter) Virtual Tour – Cabin |url=https://cessna.txtav.com/en/turboprop/skycourier-freighter |website=Textron Aviation |access-date=24 November 2024}}

File:2023 Royal International Air Tattoo N408PX (53079768575).jpg

; Passenger (408P)

: Version with passenger windows, can be fitted with 19 passenger seats, with a baggage compartment at the rear of the cabin. It has a built-in rear airstair and three under-wing emergency exits. Optionally, seats can be fitted which are quickly removable to allow conversion to carry freight, for example for overnight cargo operations.{{cite web |title=Cessna SkyCourier (Passenger) Virtual Tour – Cabin |url=https://cessna.txtav.com/en/turboprop/skycourier-passenger |website=Textron Aviation |access-date=24 November 2024}}

; Combi (408C)

:This is an option for the passenger version which enables nine passengers to be accommodated at the front of the cabin and freight to be loaded at the rear. A freighter option allows for all-freight operation as well.{{cite web |title=Skycourier Passenger Brochure |url=https://cessna.txtav.com/-/media/cessna/files/brochures/turboprop/skycourier_passenger_brochure.pdf |website=Textron Aviation |access-date=26 April 2025 |page=5}} It gained US FAA certification in May 2024 and the first example was delivered to Everts Air two months later.{{cite web |last1=Hemmerdinger |first1=Jon |title=Alaska's Everts Air receives Textron's first SkyCourier combi |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/airframers/alaskas-everts-air-receives-textrons-first-skycourier-combi/159117.article |website=FlightGlobal |publisher=DVV Media International |access-date=24 November 2024 |date=12 July 2024}}

Operators

Air Bravo (Canadian operator) – One freighter variant delivered in December 2024{{cite web |title=Flight Activity with Registration: N408RA |url=https://aviation.flights/registration/N408RA |website=Aviation Flights |publisher=Aviation Flights Group |access-date=4 February 2025}}
Bering Air – Four aircraft in service {{as of|2025|4|lc=y}}, of which at least two are freighters.{{cite web |title=Bering Air fleet |url=https://www.flightradar24.com/data/airlines/8e-brg/fleet |website=Flightradar24 |access-date=7 April 2025}}
Cleiton Táxi Aéreo – One combi version delivered in June 2025. Launch customer in Latin America.{{cite web|url=https://investor.textron.com/news/news-releases/press-release-details/2025/Cessna-SkyCourier-Combi-Configuration-Achieves-Certification-From-the-National-Civil-Aviation-Agency-of-Brazil/default.aspx|title=Cessna SkyCourier Combi Configuration Achieves Certification From the National Civil Aviation Agency of Brazil|website=Textron Aviation|access-date=7 June 2025|language=EN}}
Corporate Air – Operating freighter variants on behalf of FedEx Express{{cite web |last1=Luke |first1=Robert |title=Corporate Air begins SkyCourier ops |url=https://cargofacts.com/allposts/carriers/corporate-air-begins-skycourier-ops/ |website=Cargo Facts |publisher=Royal Media |access-date=18 December 2024 |date=3 September 2024}}
Empire Airlines – Operating freighter variants on behalf of FedEx Express. Five aircraft delivered {{as of|2024|1|lc=y}}.
Everts Air – Operating one freighter and one combi {{as of|2025|1|lc=y}}.{{cite web |title=Cessna 408 SkyCourier |url=https://evertsair.com/about/our-fleet/cessna-408-skycourier |website=Everts Air |access-date=31 January 2025}}
FedEx Express – Launch customer, 50 ordered. First delivery May 2022, 27 delivered {{As of|2025|4|lc=y}}.{{cite web |title=FedEx fleet |url=https://www.flightradar24.com/data/airlines/fx-fdx/fleet |website=Flightradar24 |access-date=7 April 2025}}
Kamaka Air (Hawaii) – One freighter aircraft delivered {{as of|2024|1|lc=y}}, plus a further example on order.{{cite web |title=New Cessna 408 Sky Courier |url=https://www.kamakaair.com/cessna-408-sky-courier/ |website=Kamaka Air |access-date=20 December 2024 |date=21 March 2023}}
Mountain Air Cargo – First freighter operator, on behalf of FedEx Express.
Samaritan's Purse – One combi version delivered to Alaska in October 2024{{cite web |title=Flight Activity with Registration: N408SP |url=https://aviation.flights/registration/N408SP |website=Aviation Flights |publisher=Aviation Flights Group |access-date=22 January 2025}}
Western Aircraft, Inc. doing business in Hawaii as Lāna’i Air – First passenger operator.{{cite web |title=Aircraft: SkyCourier |url=https://www.lanaiair.com/#def1711073112-2-96 |website=Lānaʻi Air |access-date=31 January 2025}} They operate one passenger variant and one freighter.{{cite web |title=Results for Lāna'i Air |url=https://www.jetphotos.com/airline/Lanai%20Air |website=Jetphotos |access-date=7 April 2025}}

=Orders=

Aerus – Two passenger variants on order {{as of|2022|12|lc=y}}.{{cite web|url= https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/281339/|title= Textron Sells SkyCourier Airliners To Mexican Startup|access-date= 22 December 2022|last= Niles|first= Russ|work= AVweb|date= 21 December 2022|archive-url= https://archive.today/20221222132905/https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/281339/|archive-date= 22 December 2022|url-status= live}}
Air Marshall Islands – Two passenger variants ordered in November 2024{{Cite web |title=Cessna SkyCourier Expands Global Reach With Two Aircraft Order From AIR Marshall Islands|url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241120401402/en/Cessna-SkyCourier-Expands-Global-Reach-With-Two-Aircraft-Order-From-AIR-Marshall-Islands |access-date=2024-11-22 |website=Business Wire |language=en-US}}
Hinterland Aviation – Two passenger variants ordered in February 2024.{{Cite web |title=Hinterland orders Cessna SkyCourier |url=https://www.australianflying.com.au/latest/hinterland-orders-cessna-skycourier|website=Australian Flying |access-date=12 December 2024 |date=27 February 2024 }}
Tassili Travail Aérien (TTA) (Algeria) – Two aircraft ordered for aero-medical transport for 2026 delivery, the first such order and launch order in Africa{{cite web |title=First Aero-Medical Cessna SkyCourier to be Delivered to Tassili Travail Aérien in Africa, Launching New Era of Medevac Services |url=https://www.stocktitan.net/news/TXT/first-aero-medical-cessna-sky-courier-to-be-delivered-to-tassili-kvb1n3nb4tol.html |website=Stock Titan |publisher=StockTitan.net |access-date=26 June 2025 |date=17 June 2025}}
Titan Airways – Two combis ordered in February 2024.{{cite journal |last1=Haynes |first1=Thomas |title=Trusted Titan |journal=Airliner World |date=August 2024 |issue=301 |page=96}}