Cessna Delivered Their First Skycourier to FEDEX, Marking a New Chapter for the History of Air Transportation

FedEx Express announced Monday that it had received their first Cessna SkyCourier twin utility turboprop from Textron Aviation. The delivery marks the first of 50 planes that the shipping company ordered. Right now, the clean-sheet aircraft has achieved FAA type certification in March. “We’re thrilled to deliver this aircraft that will help FedEx serve its customers more efficiently as it is designed with the option to carry industry-standard prepacked cargo containers,” said Ron Draper, president and CEO of Textron Aviation, in a statement. Cessna says their aircraft will help other companies gain a more competitive advantage in their air travel sectors. The company believes that many other companies in the air freight, passenger, and special mission business will stand to benefit from low operating costs and unmatched lift capacity. FedEx Express customers can purchase the next-generation Cessna 550 aircraft. There’s a 50/50 split in number of units, with 50 cargo configuration and 50 that are delivered on option. FedEx Express is excited to add the Cessna 408 SkyCourier as part of their fleet modernization program. Express Aviation CEO Scot Struminger made the announcement on May 12 during a tweet.

A history of the aircraft

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