Textron Aviation and regional airline Hinterland Aviation have entered into a purchase agreement for the first Cessna SkyCourier twin-engine 19-passenger variant in Australia, the companies said Monday. Based at Cairns Airport in Queensland, Hinterland operates both scheduled service and charter flights, including to Coen, Palm Island, and Kowanyama.
The deal, disclosed at the Singapore Airshow, will give a boost to Hinterland’s expansive fleet of Cessna Grand Caravans, providing a larger payload capacity along with increased passenger seating. With delivery slated for 2026, the turboprop will serve remote communities as well as tourism and business in Queensland, the company said.
“We are thrilled to announce our order of the new Cessna SkyCourier. The aircraft will be a valuable addition to our fleet, allowing us to better serve our clients’ individual needs with room for 19 passengers and access to remote runways,” said Hinterland Aviation CEO Andrew Clair. “The SkyCourier will serve as an important tool to help grow our business, and we will be proud to be the first airline customer in Australia to operate this aircraft.”
Powered by two wing-mounted Pratt & Whitney PT6A-65SC turboprop engines, the SkyCourier features the McCauley Propeller C779 four-blade propeller, allowing for full feathering with reversible pitch. The aircraft also comes equipped with Garmin G1000 NXi avionics and flies to a maximum cruise speed of 200 ktas and a range of 900 nm.
Textron’s freighter variant includes a large door and a flat-floor cabin to accommodate up to three LD3 shipping containers, offering 6,000 pounds of payload capability.
“The SkyCourier’s incredible performance makes it a reliable business tool for customers all over the world,” said Lannie O’Bannion, Textron's senior vice president of global sales and flight operations. “With the ability to load, fly, unload, and repeat—along with low operating costs and maximum cabin flexibility—the SkyCourier is a game-changer in regional connectivity."