The Cessna SkyCourier twin utility turboprop has received type certification from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), paving the way for its operations in the country. This certification expands the aircraft’s reach in Southeast Asia and will enable it to support various activities in remote regions.
The first SkyCourier in the Philippines, a 19-seat passenger variant, is scheduled for delivery in the second half of 2025 to Leading Edge Air Services Corporation (LEASCOR), a subsidiary of ACDI Multipurpose Cooperative. ACDI, the largest cooperative in the Philippines, serves members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and other uniformed personnel.
“We are excited to connect underserved communities in the Philippines with the new 19-seat SkyCourier turboprop, which will complement our present fleet,” said Major General Gilbert S. Llanto, ACDI MPC Chairman. “It will surely boost our business lines in tourism, agriculture and food, aviation, mobility and the construction industry across the archipelago.”
The SkyCourier is a versatile aircraft capable of handling both passenger and freight operations, as well as special mission needs. Its single-pilot operation capability, generous payload capacity, and adaptable configurations make it a cost-effective solution for various tasks.
The aircraft features two Pratt & Whitney PT6A-65SC turboprop engines, a McCauley Propeller C779, and Garmin G1000 NXi avionics. It boasts a maximum cruise speed of over 200 knots and a range of 900 nautical miles.
The SkyCourier comes in both Freighter and Passenger variants, with a Combi configuration and a gravel kit available for added flexibility. The 19-passenger variant includes dedicated passenger and crew doors for smooth boarding, and large windows for natural light and views. Both configurations feature single-point pressure refueling for faster turnarounds.
The Freighter variant is designed to accommodate up to three LD3 shipping containers and can carry up to 6,000 pounds of cargo.
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