Peruvian Army Selects Beechcraft King Air 360C For Multi-Mission Operation

King Air 360C strengthens Peruvian Army’s ability to deliver emergency response and life-saving aid to remote regions

 The Peruvian Army has signed an agreement to purchase a cargo door equipped Beechcraft King 360C aircraft, which is designed and manufactured by Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, to deliver critical services for communities across the country. With its generous payload, the twin-engine turboprop will enhance the Army’s capability to perform medical evacuations, transport patients and provide rapid humanitarian aid during disaster relief efforts. The aircraft is expected to enter service in 2028.

This order follows the delivery of two multi-mission, air medical equipped Beechcraft King Air 360CHW aircraft to the Peruvian Air Force. The King Air 360CHW is cargo door equipped and fitted for operation at higher operating weight.

The Beechcraft King Air 360C is designed and manufactured by Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company.

 The King Air 360C will give the Peruvian Army a versatile, enduring platform for critical care transport and disaster response, and we’re honored to support their national mission.

Bob Gibbs, vice president, Special Mission Sales

“Beechcraft and Cessna aircraft designed for special missions continue to demonstrate unmatched reliability in some of the world’s most demanding environments,” said Bob Gibbs, vice president, Special Mission Sales. “The King Air 360C will give the Peruvian Army a versatile, enduring platform for critical care transport and disaster response, and we’re honored to support their national mission.”

Through a King Air 360C offset program, Textron Aviation is strengthening its relationship with the Peruvian Army by delivering advanced capabilities and long-term support. The collaboration includes an aeromedical project with medical beds and equipment, plus training on installation, operation and maintenance. Textron Aviation will also offer aircraft maintenance instruction, including engine and avionics technician training, ensuring the Peruvian Army can sustain and maximize its fleet.

 The Peruvian Army has operated Textron Aviation aircraft for more than 20 years, including the Cessna Skylane, Skyhawk, Amphibian Caravan and Citation Excel, along with the Beechcraft King Air 350 and 1900D.

 For more than 60 years, the Beechcraft King Air has delivered proven reliability and mission flexibility. Since 1964, customers have taken delivery of more than 7,900 aircraft, logging over 66 million flight hours worldwide, including strong adoption in international markets such as Peru, where King Airs make up 44 percent of the turboprop fleet. The King Air is the world’s best-selling business turboprop family, supporting commercial and special missions for every branch of the U.S. military.

 Endless Special Missions Possibilities 

When government, military and commercial customers need airborne solutions for critical missions, they turn to Textron Aviation, home to the iconic Beechcraft and Cessna brands. Textron Aviation offers the industry’s broadest range of special mission aircraft with customizable configurations using proven technology and advanced engineering. The Textron Aviation family of aircraft includes single- and multi-engine piston aircraft, turboprops and Citation jets. These aircraft support missions such as air ambulance, amphibious operations, flight inspection, aerial surveillance, training and utility transport, all backed by an extensive global service network. For more information visit www.specialmissions.txtav.com

 

The Indonesian Ministry of Defense Selects the PC-24 with an Order for Twelve Aircraft

The Indonesian Ministry of Defense has selected the PC-24 to support the Indonesian Air Force transport pilot training, air transport and liaison missions. A contract for twelve PC-24s has been signed with PT E-System Solutions Indonesia, the authorized defense contractor by the Ministry of Defense. The contract includes an option for additional aircraft, ground support equipment, tools, spare parts, training, and technical support from Pilatus headquarters in Stans, Switzerland.

The PC-24 was developed for exceptional operational flexibility and is certified for single-pilot operation. It is equipped with a standard cargo door and is approved for use on unpaved runways. These features make the aircraft ideal for a variety of government missions, including instrument flight rules (IFR) pilot training, transport, and liaison duties. Pilatus will provide its integrated support program to ensure maximum fleet availability and efficient maintenance.

With the selection by the Indonesian Ministry of Defense, Pilatus has further strengthened its presence in Southeast Asia. The planned usage demonstrates the great versatility of the PC-24. Above all, however its ability to take off and land at short airfields and operate from unpaved runways, which increases accessibility to more remote islands in the 17,000-island nation, was a decisive selection criterion.

Markus Bucher, CEO of Pilatus, commented: “We appreciate the trust placed in Pilatus by the Indonesian Ministry of Defense. This program marks the beginning of a long-term relationship, and our priority is to support Indonesia in putting the fleet into service smoothly.”

Ioannis Papachristofilou, Vice President of Government Aviation at Pilatus, added: “The selection by the Indonesian Air Force emphasizes the growing interest of government operators in our PC-24 Super Versatile Jet. We remain focused on supplying solutions to facilitate various missions ranging from training to transport.”

At the same time, a Letter of Intent (LOI) has been signed among the parties for the supply of 24 PC-21 trainers. This package also includes Ground Based Training Equipment, spare parts, ground support equipment and technical support.

Pilatus Acquires German Air Alliance and Strengthens Its Presence in Europe

Founded in 1993, Air Alliance GmbH is recognized for its expertise in the sale of Pilatus aircraft, maintenance services and flight training. The entire workforce of approximately 120 employees will be retained under the acquisition. René Petersen, the current Managing Director, will remain with the company as CEO. He and his team will lead further operations under the new ownership structure.

Air Alliance has been an authorized Pilatus Sales & Service Center since 2014, overseeing sales and technical support for the PC-12 and PC-24 in Germany and Austria. The company’s portfolio of services also includes a flight training school and commercial flights with the PC-12 and PC-24 Super Versatile Jet under a professional aircraft management program and air operator certification (AOC). This puts Air Alliance in touch with the entire value chain: from sales and maintenance through to operational management.

Unicair GmbH, the Air Alliance Group’s subsidiary, which provides global ambulance flights, is not part of the acquisition and will remain an independent company.

Growing European Market

The acquisition builds on a successful partnership of many years. It provides an opportunity for Pilatus to expand its market presence and strengthen the quality and consistency of its portfolio of services in Europe, with the aim of moving even closer to its customers and of consistently leveraging synergies between manufacturing, sales and operations.

Speaking at the contract signing, Pilatus Chairman of the Board of Directors, Hansueli Loosli, noted: “Europe, particularly Germany and Austria, is a very important market for Pilatus, and offers potential for further growth. This acquisition gives us the opportunity to leverage synergies and move even closer to our customers with the Pilatus brand and our own services. I’m delighted that we have Air Alliance and its employees on board with us to fulfill our mission together – Welcome to the Pilatus Family!”

The merger opens the door to new opportunities for Air Alliance, too: “Pilatus will allow us to embark on further growth in our markets and areas of strengths – something which we could not have achieved at the planned pace without a partner as strong as Pilatus”, commented René Petersen.

Markus Bucher, CEO of Pilatus, added: “Going forward, we will do everything possible to work together to provide our customers with the exclusive, first-class service they are entitled to expect as purchasers or owners of a Pilatus aircraft. We all look forward to building an even closer partnership in the future.”

The transaction is subject to the usual regulatory approvals as well as the approval of the German Federal Aviation Authority.

Cirrus Delivers Strong 2025 Performance

Duluth, MN and Knoxville, TN — Cirrus delivered 691 SR Series aircraft – SR20, SR22, SR22T – and a record-breaking 106 Vision Jets in 2025. Following the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) annual report, the SR Series is the best-selling high performance single-engine piston aircraft for 24 years in a row, and the Vision Jet is the best-selling jet in general aviation for eight years in a row, leading the business jet market.

Cirrus delivered a remarkable year with the unveiling of the SR Series G7+ with Safe Return™ Emergency Autoland while celebrating 11,000 total SR Series deliveries. The new Cirrus Instrument Rating Program and Cirrus Next™ also contributed to successfully creating a pathway for Cirrus owners to advance their flight training or upgrade their aircraft.  

“Cirrus continues to create momentum in Personal Aviation through its leadership in product innovation, ownership offerings and new services,” said Zean Nielsen, Chief Executive Officer of Cirrus. “Owning and operating a Cirrus unlocks opportunities and grows economies. These milestones reflect Cirrus’ dedication to continuous innovation in Personal Aviation.”  

SR Series & Vision Jet 

With the introduction of SR Series G7+ featuring Safe Return Emergency Autoland, the Cirrus SR Series became the world’s first single-engine piston aircraft equipped with an FAA-approved autonomous emergency landing system, where passengers can easily activate the system in an emergency with a push of a button. Safe Return Emergency Autoland then proceeds to autonomously communicate, navigate and land the aircraft at the most suitable airport.  

Now all Cirrus aircraft features a total safety solution with the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System® (CAPS®), Safe Return Emergency Autoland and Perspective Touch+™.  

The G7+ also added Automatic Database Updates, Runway Occupancy Awareness and Smart Pitot Heat. 

Cirrus returned the Arrivée Special Edition aesthetics package for the SR Series product line. New exterior colors and premium leather options add to an enhanced, luxurious, in-flight experience. 

Cirrus Approach™ Flight Training 

Cirrus Approach expanded its offerings with a new Cirrus Approach app to support advanced tools for flight training. With the new app, students paired with Cirrus instructors can access comprehensive training material and track progress from Apple iPad devices. 

Cirrus also introduced its Instrument Rating Program, designed for those interested in advancing their pilot expertise for all-weather flying. The program combines self-study content with in-person flight training including safety and best practices for operating a Cirrus aircraft. 

Cirrus expanded its Vision Jet flight training capability at its location in Scottsdale. The new Vision Jet flight training simulator is used for recurrent Vision Jet training. The simulator replicates the technologically advanced Vision Jet flight deck. 

Cirrus Owner Services 

Cirrus introduced its latest Cirrus IQ app update with Cirrus IQ PRO™ designed to enhance the pilot and aircraft ownership experience by providing real-time data, remote status updates and maintenance tracking to effortlessly manage their aircraft. With the G7+ introduction, Automatic Database Updates were enabled by Cirrus IQ PRO connectivity. 

Cirrus has simplified the aircraft upgrade process with Cirrus Next. The new program is supported through Cirrus to ensure a streamlined upgrade pathway to a new aircraft, including a trade-in or transition option for the aircraft you currently own.  

Company Investment 

Cirrus is investing in expanding its Grand Forks manufacturing facility to support developing the world’s best-selling aircraft and opened its McKinney location to support aircraft sales and management, flight training and more. 

To learn more about Cirrus, visit www.cirrusaircraft.com.  

 

Cessna Caravan Fleet Expands With Order From Pt Semuwa Aviasi Mandiri

 The company will use the aircraft to support cargo, logistics and passenger operations and conduct weather modification throughout Indonesia

The global fleet of Cessna Caravans will soon expand with an order from Indonesian operator PT Semuwa Aviasi Mandiri, the company member of PT Yasa Artha Trimanunggal (Yasa - SAM Air), for a Cessna Caravan. The versatile aircraft will strengthen Yasa - SAM Air’s ability to support cargo, logistics and passenger operations and conduct weather modification missions across Indonesia.
“The Cessna Caravan delivers proven reliability and operational flexibility, making it an ideal solution for missions across Indonesia,” said Tony Jones, vice president, Sales, Asia-Pacific. “Its performance and versatility enable operators like SAM Air to reach remote destinations, expand regional connectivity and support essential services.”

The Cessna Caravan delivers proven reliability and operational flexibility, making it an ideal solution for missions across Indonesia.
Tony Jones, vice president, Sales, Asia-Pacific
Yasa - SAM Air currently operates one Cessna Caravan and a Cessna Grand Caravan EX for charter and logistics services for critical supplies. By growing their fleet with additional Cessna Caravan aircraft, SAM Air is enhancing its ability to serve domestic charter routes, logistics services and public service missions across Indonesia.
“ Yasa - SAM Air is the name you can trust for connecting skies, cargo and climate with care,” said Yenna Yunaina, President Director, Yasa – SAM Air.
In 2025, the Cessna Caravan family marked 40 years of dependable service. Built for performance in remote and rugged environments, the Caravan remains a trusted solution for operators worldwide. Textron Aviation introduced three new executive interior options in July 2025, giving customers the option for an elevated cabin experience for missions that call for added comfort and style.

Textron Aviation Receives First Military Order For Cessna Skycourier, Launching The Aircraft Into Global Defense Market

Belgium selects SkyCourier fleet to boost special operations airlift for troop transport, logistics, casevac and crisis response

A new ally in the air: An artist’s rendering shows a Cessna SkyCourier configured for military operations, including a special operations paint scheme and mission equipment. The aircraft was selected by Belgium Special Operations Forces.


WICHITA, Kan. (Apr. 7, 2026) – Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, today announced Belgium has selected the Cessna SkyCourier as its newest special mission aircraft, awarding an order for five multirole aircraft to support the nation’s Special Operations Forces. The selection launches the SkyCourier into the global defense market for the first time and strengthens Belgium’s airlift capability through a rugged, flexible platform built for demanding missions.

Belgium’s SkyCourier fleet will enable rapid movement of personnel and equipment while supporting logistics, medical evacuation and crisis response operations. Deliveries to the prime contractor Sabena Engineering are expected throughout 2027, followed by in‑country military modifications prior to the final aircraft transfer to the Belgian Special Operations Forces.

“This first military selection signals strong armed service interest in the Cessna SkyCourier and underscores its readiness for high‑consequence missions,” said Travis Tyler, president and CEO, Textron Aviation Defense. “The SkyCourier’s combination of rugged performance, low operating cost and the ability to operate from short and unimproved runways makes it a powerful solution for customers who need dependable lift in unpredictable environments.”

The SkyCourier’s debut into the global defense market builds on its momentum of expansion across new global regions. Designed for reliability and mission adaptability, the twin‑engine, high‑wing turboprop offers flexible cabin configurations, significant payload capacity and proven performance in austere settings.

Belgium’s decision reflects a rising government demand for affordable, multirole aircraft that can support rapidly evolving mission sets. The selection also expands the capabilities of local industry through Sabena’s modification design work in Belgium, reinforcing defense relationships throughout the region.

“Working closely with Textron Aviation, Sabena Engineering will perform all mission‑specific integration and certification in Belgium, ensuring the SkyCourier delivers the flexible, responsive airlift capability our Special Operations Forces require while strengthening national industrial expertise and sovereignty,” added Stephane Burton, CEO, Sabena Engineering.

Cessna skycourier strengthens mission versatility with new in‑flight operable door option

Mission flexibility starts at the Cessna SkyCourier door

SANTIAGO, Chile. (Apr. 7, 2026) — Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, today announced a new In-Flight Operable Door option for the passenger variant of its twin-engine, large-utility Cessna SkyCourier turboprop, expanding the aircraft’s Special Mission versatility for military, humanitarian and commercial operations. The functionality is expected to be available as a Special Mission factory-installed option in 2028.

“An In-Flight Operable Door builds on the Cessna SkyCourier’s reputation for reliability and adaptability, reinforcing its role as a purpose-built solution for high-demand missions,” said Bob Gibbs, vice president, Special Missions Sales. “The option opens new opportunities for customers worldwide, including armed forces, smokejumpers, disaster relief groups and commercial skydiving operators.”

The Cessna SkyCourier’s In-Flight Operable Door is a specialized modification designed within the cargo door to support airborne operations for both personnel and cargo. Installed as an alternative to the standard cargo door, the door can be opened in-flight, enabling deployment of paratroopers or precision airdrop of supplies while maintaining standard cargo door ground operations. Engineered for durability and ease of use, the In-Flight Operable Door integrates seamlessly with the SkyCourier’s versatile platform, making it an ideal solution for military, humanitarian and special mission applications where rapid deployment and operational flexibility are critical.