FedEx Express is buying 50 new Cessna SkyCourier 408 turboprops to add to its feeder aircraft fleet - and has options for 50 more.

The purchase - plus 30 ATR 75-600s announced recently - are part of the company's strategy to strategy to modernise its feeder fleet and develop a pilot training program, helping to offset the growing global pilot shortage.

 

The Cessna SkyCourier 408 has more than twice the maximum payload of the Cessna 208Bs that currently are in FedEx’s fleet. Its large cargo doors mean it can handle up to three LD3 containers.

 

Delivery of the Cessnas is expected to start mid-2020.