Textron Aviation received a purchase agreement from Algerian-based Tassili Travail Aérien (TTA) for two Cessna SkyCourier turboprop twins, marking the first sale for the type in Africa and also for an aeromedical-equipped variant. Deliveries are anticipated next year, with the aircraft to be based in Algiers and Hassi Messaoud.
A subsidiary of the national state-owned oil and gas company Sonatrach, TTA provides passenger transportation, aeromedical, and other special-mission services across Algeria.
“The Cessna SkyCourier is a versatile aircraft capable of supporting challenging missions, high payloads, and short, rough runways worldwide,” said Bob Gibbs, v-p of special mission sales for Textron Aviation. “TTA’s mission package includes the advanced Lifeport Plus powered medevac system, allowing TTA to quickly switch from passenger or cargo to medevac missions.”
Available in freighter, passenger, and combi configurations, the high-wing SkyCourier has a 6,000-pound payload capability and a large cabin door with cabin space to hold three LD3 containers. In a 19-passenger configuration, the aircraft is equipped with large cabin windows and separate crew and passenger doors.
In addition to the order announcement, Textron Aviation unveiled its newest multi-mission Beechcraft King Air demonstration aircraft at the Paris Air Show. On display at Textron Aviation’s Pavilion A2, the aircraft is fitted with extended range fuel tanks, a factory-installed extended utility nose capable of housing up to a 20-inch EO/IR sensor, factory-installed wing hardpoint provisions, and a cargo door that can support air ambulance and freight operations.
Compatible with night vision imaging systems, the aircraft’s features include a mission rack with displays and a mission computer, VIP seating, AvFab and LifePort mission seats, and a LifePort medevac stretcher.
Gibbs said the King Air is an ideal platform for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, as well as utility transport and training, among other applications. “Over the last few years, we have seen solid European demand for our cargo door King Air 360C for essential air ambulance services,” he added.
More than 7,800 King Airs have been delivered since 1964, including to all branches of the U.S military and in both civil and special missions roles.