Cairns-based Hinterland Aviation has become the first Australian customer to order the passenger variant of the Cessna 408 SkyCourier twin turbo-prop, Textron Aviation announced earlier this month.
Hinterland already operates 12 Grand Caravans, but the SkyCourier is expected to provide a greater payload capacity and increased passenger seating.
“We are thrilled to announce our order of the new Cessna SkyCourier," said Andrew Clair, CEO, Hinterland Aviation. "The aircraft will be a valuable addition to our fleet, allowing us to better serve our clients’ individual needs with room for 19 passengers and access to remote runways.
"The SkyCourier will serve as an important tool to help grow our business, and we will be proud to be the first airline customer in Australia to operate this aircraft.”
The SkyCourier is powered by two Pratt & Whitney PT6A-65SC turbo-prop engines swinging McCauley C779 279 cm propellers, giving the C408 a maximum cruise speed of more than 200 KTAS and a 900-nm maximum range.
"The SkyCourier’s incredible performance makes it a reliable business tool for customers all over the world,” said Lannie O’Bannion, senior vice president, Global Sales and Flight Operations. “With the ability to load, fly, unload and repeat – along with low operating costs and maximum cabin flexibility – the SkyCourier is a game-changer in regional connectivity.
"This order not only showcases the SkyCourier’s unmatched capabilities globally, but also highlights Textron Aviation’s commitment to delivering innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of the aviation industry.”
HInterland is expecting delivery of the aircraft in 2026.