Cessna SkyCourier Enters Service in the Philippines with First Delivery

The Cessna SkyCourier, a twin-engine turboprop designed and manufactured by Textron Aviation Inc., has officially entered service in the Philippines. The inaugural delivery in the region was made to Leading Edge Air Services Corp. (LEASCOR), marking a significant expansion of the aircraft’s presence in the Southeast Asian market.

The aircraft delivered to LEASCOR is a 19-passenger variant outfitted with an optional passenger-to-freighter conversion kit. This configuration is intended to enable operators to transition quickly between passenger transport and cargo logistics, a feature considered vital for serving the Philippines' diverse geography.

“Being able to shift seamlessly between passenger and cargo missions is critical for operators serving remote and regional markets,” said Juan Escalante, vice president of SkyCourier Sales for Textron Aviation. “The Cessna SkyCourier provides a dependable, versatile platform that enables operators to respond quickly to changing transportation needs while maintaining efficiency.”

The SkyCourier is powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-65SC engines and features Garmin G1000 NXi avionics. With its high-wing design, fixed landing gear, and large cargo door, the aircraft is specifically engineered for short takeoff and landing, making it well-suited for the infrastructure challenges often found in remote or unpaved regional airfields. It boasts a maximum cruise speed of over 200 knots and a maximum range of 900 nautical miles.

LEASCOR, established in 2016, serves as the air-chartering arm of the ACDI Multipurpose Cooperative, an organization that supports members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, retirees, and government personnel.

Maj. Gen. Gilbert Llanto, Armed Forces of the Philippines (Ret), noted that the arrival of the SkyCourier is a strategic step toward improving regional connectivity.

“The SkyCourier is invaluable due to its purpose-built versatility and ability to operate on short and unpaved runways,” Llanto said. “These capabilities enable seamless passenger and cargo operations, even in remote areas. We are strengthening our capability to open underserved routes, enhance logistics, and support regional economies.”

The addition of the SkyCourier to the Philippines' aviation landscape is expected to support a variety of missions, ranging from tourism development to the transport of essential goods across the country’s thousands of islands. For Textron Aviation, the delivery represents a broader effort to provide regional operators with flexible, durable aircraft that can maintain operational consistency in demanding environments.