From Witchita to Algeria: Textron Aviation secures first Cessna SkyCourier order in Africa
June 17, 2025
Thassili Travail Aérien’s (TTA’s) order for two Cessna SkyCouriers marks Textron Aviation‘s first aero-medical Cessna SkyCourier to be delivered in Africa.
The Cessna SkyCourier: A versatile aircraft
Describing the SkyCourier as a “versatile aircraft”, Bob Gibbs, VP, Special Mission Sales, Textron Aviation, said the aircraft is capable of supporting “challenging missions, high payloads and short, rough runways worldwide.
“TTA’s mission package includes the advanced Lifeport PLUS Powered Medevac System, allowing TTA to quickly switch from passenger or cargo to medevac missions.”
Powered by two wing-mounted Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-65SC turboprop engines and featuring the McCauley Propeller C779 110-inchd aluminium four-blade propeller, the SkyCourier has a maximum cruise speed of more than 200ktas and a 900nm maximum range.
The 19-passenger variant includes separate crew and passenger doors for smooth boarding, a large baggage compartment and large cabin windows. Meanwhile, the freighter variant features a flat-floor cabin capable of handling up to three LD3 shipping containers with 6,000-pound payload capability. Both variants offer a large cargo door and single-point pressure refuelling to enable faster turnarounds.
Algeria-based TTA is a subsidiary of state-owned oil and gas company, Sonatrach. The operator provides passenger transportation, aero-medical evacuation and other special mission services to the energy sector across Algeria.
Unveiling of latest multi-mission Beechcraft King Air
Textron Aviation has also unveiled its newest multi-mission Beechcraft King Air at this year’s show. Gibbs said: “The King Air’s acquisition and operation cost combined with excellent speed, range and capacity make it an excellent value for a wide range of special missions.”
He added: “The best selling turboprop serves as an ideal platform for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, utility transport, training and more.
