Air Bravo Receives First Cessna SkyCourier in Canada

On February 3, 2025, Textron Aviation officially delivered the first Cessna SkyCourier twin-turboprop to Air Bravo Corporation, marking a significant milestone as the Canadian launch operator. This follows the aircraft’s certification by Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), and the freighter variant of the SkyCourier will be deployed for cargo operations, enhancing Air Bravo’s extensive air transport services.

SkyCourier’s Capabilities
The Cessna SkyCourier, designed with versatility, high payload capacity, and low operating costs, has quickly proven itself an ideal choice for various missions. Lannie O’Bannion, Senior Vice President of Global Sales and Flight Operations at Textron Aviation, expressed confidence in the aircraft’s suitability for Air Bravo’s needs. “The SkyCourier is a versatile aircraft with cabin flexibility, high payload capability, and performance,” O’Bannion said, adding that it would significantly support and enhance Air Bravo’s operations.

Air Bravo’s Operations
Founded in 2021, Air Bravo provides a mix of passenger, cargo, and air ambulance services across Ontario and North America. With bases in Thunder Bay, Sudbury, Barrie, and Meaford, Air Bravo operates flights to nearly any airstrip across the continent. As a cargo-focused carrier, the SkyCourier will be an essential addition to the fleet, complementing its diverse mission scope.

Rick Horwath, President and CEO of Air Bravo, emphasized the aircraft’s suitability for cargo transportation. “We’re proud to be the first SkyCourier customer in Canada, and this aircraft is a perfect fit for supporting the cargo side of our business,” Horwath said. He further highlighted the aircraft’s roomy cockpit and user-friendly avionics, making it ideal for easy handling during flight.

Key Features of the Cessna SkyCourier
The SkyCourier 408, initially certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in 2022, was first delivered to FedEx as the launch customer. Textron’s announcement in May 2024 of FAA approval for a combi cargo/passenger version broadened the aircraft’s market potential.

The freighter variant delivered to Air Bravo has a payload capacity of up to 6,000 pounds, capable of carrying three LD3 shipping containers. It is powered by two Pratt & Whitney PT6A-65SC turboprop engines, coupled with a McCauley Propeller C779—a 110-inch, four-blade aluminum propeller designed for enhanced performance.

With its combination of high payload capability, efficiency, and adaptability, the Cessna SkyCourier is well-positioned to bolster Air Bravo’s operations in the Canadian and North American markets. The aircraft’s flexibility, in both cargo and passenger configurations, is expected to make it an invaluable asset for the growing aviation needs in these regions, particularly in supporting remote locations and specialized services like air ambulance transport.

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