Cessna SkyCourier

August 14, 2020


Cessna has completed its first conforming flight in the SkyCourier 408 flight-test aircraft called the P1 this week. Why does this matter to private jet flyers? This aircraft is going to be used to test many flight systems that will be used in private aircraft of all sizes such as avionics systems, anti-ice systems, and other environmental controls. While this flight only reached 14,200 feet in altitude and a max cruising speed of 210 knots, it was a huge step in the direction of advancing safety systems that could be used on the Citation series of jets. Not only is this a great test aircraft for systems but they have also announced that they will offer a configuration for up to 19 passengers.

This will be a direct competitor with the age-old Otter family of aircraft that started flying in 1965 and is still in production today despite a long pause in the 90s. The Otter currently dominates the market in certain regions of the world but the SkyCourier is going to give de Havilland a run for their money. What this means is that the SkyCourier could be delivering you and your loved ones to that island destination that doesn’t have a runway long enough for jets. Currently Cessna offers the caravan for such missions, but the Caravan can only carry about half the passengers depending on configuration.