Azul Conecta has confirmed it will begin operating the Cessna SkyCourier, becoming the first Brazilian airline to add Textron Aviation’s new turboprop to its fleet.
The announcement was made by the company’s president, Vitor Cordeiro Silva, in a social media post. According to him, Azul’s regional subsidiary will receive two aircraft configured to carry up to 19 passengers.
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The agreement that will enable the aircraft has not been detailed, nor has there been a statement from Textron, but it will be the first time that the twin-engine turboprop will operate for a major airline in passenger services.
The aircraft are expected to be delivered later this year and will be deployed mainly on routes in northern Brazil, where connecting small communities and long distances make the aircraft an attractive option.
The SkyCourier will be the first twin-engine aircraft in Azul Conecta’s history. Currently, the airline operates a fleet composed exclusively of single-engine Cessna Caravans, used on low-demand regional routes.
Developed by Textron Aviation, the Cessna 408 SkyCourier was designed to serve a segment above the Caravan. The model offers greater passenger and cargo capacity while retaining features suited for operations on short runways and airports with limited infrastructure, common in the Amazon region.
Azul Conecta’s choice was seen as a natural step, as the airline has extensive experience with the Caravan on regional flights and shares the same manufacturer as the new model.
In addition to the 19-passenger version, the SkyCourier is also available in freighter and combi configurations. FedEx Express is the main operator of the model, while the manufacturer seeks to expand its presence in international markets and in government and military missions.
