Startup regional airline Aerus has ordered two Cessna 408 SkyCourier twin turboprops in what is Textron Aviation’s first publicly announced order for the OEM’s newest clean-sheet aircraft in a 19-passenger configuration. Along with the SkyCouriers, Aerus of Mexico has also ordered four Cessna Grand Caravan EX turboprop singles, three of which have already been delivered.
Aerus, a Monterrey-based unit of Grupo Herrera, plans to begin operations in the first quarter of 2023 covering unserved national and international routes. “When we looked at options within the market to operate the routes we had in mind, it was a no-brainer decision to choose the Grand Caravan EX and the SkyCourier from Textron Aviation, which will be the cornerstone of the Aerus project,” said the airline's CEO Javier Herrera. “We are very proud to be one of the first operators of the new SkyCourier, which we are sure will be a great success for Textron Aviation and Aerus. We appreciate Textron Aviation's support as we set launch operations.”
In March, the SkyCourier received type certification from the FAA, and the first delivery was made in May to launch customer FedEx Express, which has an order for 50 of the type with an option for 50 more. The high-wing SkyCourier is available in cargo, passenger, and combi configurations.