On the opening day of EAA AirVenture on July 26, the Cessna SkyCourier arrived for its first public appearance. The twin-engine turboprop dominated the entrance ramp to Boeing Plaza while curious onlookers gathered around for a gander at the next-generation cargo and passenger hauler.

Powered by two 1,100-shp Pratt & Whitney PT6A-65SC turboprop engines, this SkyCourier is serial number one, and it took a brief time off from flight testing to participate in the AirVenture Innovation Showcase.

A clean-sheet design, the SkyCourier resulted from discussions with FedEx Express, which has ordered 50 SkyCouriers. The design’s 87-by 69-inch rear cargo door and fuselage are designed to accommodate three standard LD3-size containers, giving the SkyCourier twice the capacity of a Caravan. Certification and first delivery are expected later this year.