This article is based on an official press release from Textron Aviation.

Textron Aviation Delivers First Cessna SkyCourier in Mexico to FlexCoah

Textron Aviation has officially delivered the first Cessna SkyCourier to be operated in Mexico, marking a significant milestone for regional logistics in the country. The twin-engine utility turboprop was handed over to FlexCoah, a freight transportation company based in Saltillo, Coahuila. According to the manufacturers, the aircraft will be operated by Altair, FlexCoah’s aviation subsidiary, to enhance their multimodal freight services.

This delivery represents a strategic expansion for FlexCoah, a company that has historically specialized in ground transportation. By integrating the SkyCourier into its fleet, the operator aims to bridge the gap between trucking and air cargo, offering faster solutions for time-critical shipments. Textron Aviation highlighted that this is the first SkyCourier to enter service within Mexico, following the program’s recent global expansion into markets like Canada and Mongolia.

The Cessna SkyCourier is designed specifically for high-utilization freight operations, a capability that aligns with the growing demand for efficient logistics in Mexico’s industrial corridors. FlexCoah intends to use the aircraft to complement its existing fleet of Cessna Caravans and heavy ground vehicles, creating a comprehensive “door-to-door” logistics network.

Operational Capabilities and Fleet Integration

The newly delivered aircraft is the freighter variant of the Cessna SkyCourier, a platform engineered to handle rugged regional operations. FlexCoah, which holds C-TPAT (Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism) certification, selected the aircraft to support its expansion from purely ground-based logistics to a hybrid air-ground model. The company, established in 2009, has traditionally relied on 50-ton tractors for long-haul transport but is now diversifying to meet the needs of “just-in-time” supply chains.

Technical Specifications

According to data provided by Textron Aviation, the SkyCourier offers significant performance upgrades over smaller utility turboprops. Key specifications include:

• Payload Capacity: 6,000 pounds (2,722 kg).
• Cargo Volume: Capacity to hold up to three LD3 shipping containers, an industry standard for air freight.
• Range: Approximately 900 nautical miles (1,667 km).
• Cruise Speed: Up to 200 knots (370 km/h).

The aircraft features a large cargo door and a flat floor equipped with a roller system, facilitating rapid loading and unloading, a critical requirement for freight operators working on tight schedules. It is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-65SC turboprop engines, known for their reliability in diverse operating conditions.

Executive Commentary

In a statement regarding the delivery, FlexCoah leadership emphasized the strategic importance of adding the SkyCourier to their operations. Chava de las Fuentes, General Manager of FlexCoah, noted the shift toward offering clients more flexibility.

“For years, our company has been dedicated to moving goods safely and reliably on the road. By adding aircraft to our fleet, we’re opening the skies for our customers as well. This investment allows us to offer faster delivery times… and give our clients the flexibility to choose between ground and air transportation.”

, Chava de las Fuentes, General Manager, FlexCoah

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Textron Aviation also commented on the aircraft’s suitability for the region. Lannie O’Bannion, Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing, stated:

“The Cessna SkyCourier’s combination of reliability, payload capacity and mission flexibility makes it a powerful asset for operators looking to scale their operations while maintaining cost-efficiency.”

, Lannie O’Bannion, Textron Aviation

Regional Impact and Market Analysis

The introduction of the SkyCourier to the Mexican market comes at a time when logistics providers are increasingly seeking alternatives to commercial airline cargo space. By owning and operating their own air assets, companies like FlexCoah can maintain greater control over high-value shipments, particularly in regions where security or terrain may pose challenges for ground transport.

AirPro News Analysis

We observe that this delivery underscores a broader trend of “nearshoring” in Mexico, where manufacturing activities are relocating closer to the United States. Saltillo, where FlexCoah is based, is a major industrial hub often referred to as the “Detroit of Mexico” due to its automotive manufacturing density. The demand for moving auto parts, electronics, and manufacturing components quickly between industrial centers and border regions likely drove the decision to acquire a dedicated freighter with the SkyCourier’s capacity.

Furthermore, the SkyCourier’s ability to operate from shorter runways allows FlexCoah to access smaller regional airports that larger jet freighters cannot utilize. This capability is essential for connecting remote manufacturing plants directly to supply chains, bypassing congested major hubs. As the logistics sector in Mexico continues to modernize, we expect to see further investments in private air cargo fleets to support the robust cross-border trade environment.

Sources:

• Textron Aviation
• FlexCoah