Cessna SkyCourier awarded type certification in the Philippines

Cessna SkyCourier twin utility turboprop has been awarded type certification by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, expanding aircraft ability to support operational activities in remote areas of southeast Asia. The first SkyCourier in the region – A 19-seat passenger variant – is planned to be delivered in the second half of 2025 to Leading Edge Air Services Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of ACDI Multipurpose Cooperative in the Philippines.

With the ability to be operated by a single pilot, and also equipped with a generous payload capacity, the SkyCourier is an ideal solution for air freight, passenger and special mission needs. The aircraft is highly adaptable and can easily adjust configurations to effectively complete virtually any mission, supporting a significant return on investment. The aircraft also has capabilities to support a wide range of operational activities in remote areas.

Lannie O’Bannion, senior vice president, Global Sales and Flight Operations for Textron Aviation commented: “Demand for the SkyCourier continues to grow throughout the APAC region due to the aircraft’s outstanding performance and reliability. The SkyCourier features maximum cabin flexibility with low operating costs and has quickly proven to be an excellent business tool for customers and their missions. We’re excited to celebrate this great milestone for the program.”

ACDI Multipurpose Cooperative, the largest cooperative in the Philippines, serves members of the entire Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and other uniformed personnel. Members include active service personnel, retirees, reservists, civilian employees of the AFP and other uniformed personnel and dependents. LEASCOR was established in 2016 as the air chartering arm of the Cooperative.

Major General Gilbert S. Llanto, ACDI MPC Chairman stated: “We are excited to connect underserved communities in the Philippines with the new 19-seat SkyCourier turboprop, which will complement our present fleet. It will surely boost our business lines in tourism, agriculture and food, aviation, mobility and the construction industry across the archipelago.”