Textron Aviation and PT Smart Aviation have inked a historic purchase agreement, marking the acquisition of the first Cessna SkyCourier order in Indonesia. Celebrations ensued at the Textron Aviation display during the Singapore Airshow at Changi Exhibition Center, Republic of Singapore. This significant deal comprises a SkyCourier passenger variant and four Cessna Grand Caravan EXs, scheduled for delivery starting in 2026.
PT Smart Aviation, a key player in the Indonesian aviation landscape, is set to elevate its operations with these new additions. The agreement signifies a strategic move by PT Smart Aviation to expand its presence in diverse sectors, including weather modification, cargo, and passenger flights.
The Cessna SkyCourier, designed and manufactured by Textron Aviation Inc., a subsidiary of Textron Inc., emerges as a game-changer in the Indonesian aviation scene. Lannie O’Bannion, Senior Vice President of Global Sales and Flight Operations, highlights the SkyCourier’s exceptional capabilities, cost-effectiveness, and versatile cabin design as key factors that make it an ideal choice for the Indonesian market.
This order underscores Textron Aviation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions that cater to the dynamic needs of the aviation industry. The Cessna SkyCourier is poised to have a transformative impact, facilitating enhanced connectivity between communities and driving progress not only in Indonesia but also beyond its borders.
For PT Smart, the acquisition of these additional aircraft solidifies its fixed-wing fleet, which now totals an impressive 23 units. This strategic expansion aims to support operational activities in remote areas across Indonesia, aligning with PT Smart’s commitment to aiding the nation’s operations and advancing aviation capabilities within the region.
The Cessna SkyCourier, available in both freighter and passenger versions, stands out for its twin-engine, high-wing turboprop design. The 19-passenger variant boasts crew and passenger doors for seamless boarding, large cabin windows for natural light, and views, enhancing the overall travel experience. The freighter variant, equipped with a large door and a flat floor cabin, can handle up to three LD3 shipping containers with a remarkable 6,000 pounds of payload capability.
Powering the SkyCourier are two wing-mounted Pratt & Whitney PT6A-65SC turboprop engines, complemented by the McCauley Propeller C779, a heavy-duty and reliable 110-inch aluminum four-blade propeller. The aircraft is equipped with Garmin G1000 NXi avionics and boasts a maximum cruise speed of over 200 knots, with an impressive 900 nautical-mile maximum range.
As Indonesia gears up for the arrival of the Cessna SkyCourier fleet, the aviation landscape anticipates a new era of efficiency, connectivity, and operational flexibility. The strategic collaboration between Textron Aviation and PT Smart Aviation not only sets a precedent for cutting-edge aviation solutions but also paves the way for advancements in Indonesian aviation capabilities.