LEASCOR takes delivery of Philippines' first Cessna SkyCourier

Leading Edge Air Services Corporation (LEASCOR) recently became the first Philippine-based operator of the Cessna 408 SkyCourier.

The new 19-passenger variant of the twin-engine, high-wing turboprop with the registration RP-C6950 is equipped with the optional passenger-to-freighter conversion. With the kit, LEASCOR can quickly transition the aircraft between full passenger and cargo missions to support a wide range of domestic transport, tourism, and logistics operations.

According to the Wichita, Kansas-based Textron, the new SkyCourier will help LEASCOR expand passenger and cargo connectivity across the Philippine islands.

Image: LEASCOR Cessna SkyCourier. Credit: Textron Aviation 

Image: Interior of LEASCOR Cessna SkyCourier. Credit: Textron Aviation 

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

“The arrival of our first Cessna SkyCourier marks a defining milestone for Leading Edge Air Services Corporation,” said Maj. Gen. Gilbert S. Llanto, Armed Forces of the Philippines (Ret). “It strengthens our ability to provide reliable air connectivity to communities that depend on consistent passenger and cargo service, particularly in remote areas.”

“What makes the SkyCourier invaluable is its purpose-built versatility, supported by twin-engine reliability, high payload capacity and the ability to operate on short and unpaved runways. These capabilities enable seamless passenger and cargo operations, even in remote areas. With the SkyCourier, we are strengthening our capability to open underserved routes, enhance logistics and support regional economies. It allows us to respond faster, serve farther and operate more efficiently, advancing our goal of helping build a resilient, future ready aviation network for the Philippines,” said Lanto.

Powered by two wing-mounted Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-65SC turboprop engines, the Cessna SkyCourier is offered in two variants – freighter and passenger – along with optional kits to allow for the configuration between both freighter and passenger. It can also be configured in a Combi configuration to carry 9 passengers and freight. The full cargo variant can handle up to three LD3 shipping containers with a payload capacity of 6,000lbs.

Established in 2016 as the air chartering arm of ACDI Multipurpose Cooperative, the Angeles, Philippines-based LEASCOR serves members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and other uniformed personnel including active service members, retirees, reservists, and civilian employees.

With the new SkyCourier, LEASCOR has 3 aircraft in its fleet. It currently operates two ATR 72 aircraft each with a seating capacity for 72 passengers.