Cessna SkyCourier to make show debut at FIDAE 2026, showcasing aircraft adaptability for diverse special missions
Textron Aviation will return to FIDAE 2026, taking place April 7–9 in Santiago, Chile, with a strong showing of its special mission platforms. Aircraft on static display near the Textron Aviation Chalet A5–A8 include:
- The show debut of a Cessna SkyCourier turboprop in passenger configuration.
- A Beechcraft King Air 360CER turboprop equipped with extended range (ER) fuel tanks, a factory-extended utility nose capable of housing a variety of sensors up to a 20-inch EO/IR sensor and a lift kit to retract, factory-installed wing hardpoint provisions and a cargo door that supports air ambulance and freight operations
The Cessna SkyCourier's presence has steadily expanded across the world, with announcements in the last year including the first deliveries to Canada and Mexico, as well as the first order from Mongolia. These milestones demonstrate the aircraft’s adaptability and the rising need for versatile utility platforms across regions and mission sets.
The Cessna SkyCourier twin-engine, high-wing turboprop offers a combination of performance and lower operating costs for air freight, commuter and special mission operators.
The freighter variant is sized to handle up to three LD3 shipping containers with an impressive 6,000-pound payload capability. The 19-passenger variant includes crew and passenger doors for smooth boarding, as well as large cabin windows for natural light and views. Both variants offer single-point pressure refueling to enable faster turnarounds.
The SkyCourier is powered by two wing-mounted Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-65SC turboprop engines and features the McCauley Propeller C779, a heavy-duty and reliable 110-inch aluminum four-blade propeller, which is full feathering with reversible pitch, designed to enhance the performance of the aircraft while hauling tremendous loads. The SkyCourier is operated with Garmin G1000 NXi avionics and has a maximum cruise speed of more than 200 KTAS and a 900 nautical-mile maximum range.
For more than 60 years, the Beechcraft King Air has delivered proven reliability and mission flexibility. Since 1964, customers have taken delivery of more than 7,900 aircraft, logging over 66 million flight hours worldwide. The King Air is the world’s best-selling business turboprop family, supporting commercial and special missions for every branch of the U.S. military.
When government, military and commercial customers need airborne solutions for critical missions, they turn to Textron Aviation, home to the iconic Beechcraft and Cessna brands. Textron Aviation offers the industry’s broadest range of special mission aircraft with customizable configurations using proven technology and advanced engineering. The Textron Aviation family of aircraft includes single- and multi-engine piston aircraft, turboprops and Citation jets. These aircraft support missions such as air ambulance, amphibious operations, flight inspection, aerial surveillance, training and utility transport, all backed by an extensive global service network. For more information visit www.specialmissions.txtav.com
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To request interviews prior to and during FIDAE 2026, please provide topic and availability to Doug Scott at +1 (316) 347-0116 (text and WhatsApp) or dscott2@txtav.com.