Hunnu Air to Introduce Mongolia’s First Cessna SkyCourier, Boosting Domestic Tourism and Cargo Services
Mongolia is set to welcome the Cessna SkyCourier for the very first time, as leading charter operator Hunnu Air becomes the inaugural customer for the versatile twin-engine turboprop in the country. This significant fleet expansion marks a milestone in Mongolia’s aviation sector and signals Hunnu Air’s ambition to further enhance connectivity, tourism, and cargo operations.
Under the new agreement, Hunnu Air will acquire two passenger-configured Cessna SkyCourier aircraft and one Cessna Grand Caravan EX, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2026. The aircraft are manufactured by Textron Aviation Inc., a subsidiary of Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT), renowned for producing some of the most trusted names in general aviation, including Cessna, Beechcraft, and Hawker.
A Versatile Solution for Mongolia’s Unique Geography
The Cessna SkyCourier is known for its rugged design, reliable performance, and operational flexibility, making it ideal for the diverse needs of Mongolia’s aviation landscape. From the bustling capital of Ulaanbaatar to remote areas across the country’s vast steppe, the aircraft will be able to transport passengers and cargo efficiently.
“Designed for versatility and performance, the Cessna SkyCourier is a strong fit to support Hunnu Air’s services across Mongolia,” said Lannie O’Bannion, Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing at Textron Aviation. “The increasing global popularity of the aircraft underscores its adaptability in supporting air freight, charter, and special missions, demonstrating its broad appeal across different operational sectors.”
For Hunnu Air, the addition of the SkyCourier will significantly improve service reach, allowing faster and more reliable connections to remote tourism destinations. Mongolia’s scenic yet often inaccessible landscapes—ranging from the Gobi Desert to mountainous regions—will become more accessible to both domestic and international travelers.
Hunnu Air’s Growth Journey
Founded in 2011, Hunnu Air has grown into the second-largest airline in Mongolia, offering domestic, regional, and limited long-haul services. Known for reliability and operational efficiency, the airline has played a key role in expanding Mongolia’s aviation infrastructure. The new aircraft order aligns with Hunnu Air’s long-term strategy to support Mongolia’s economic growth by bolstering tourism and facilitating cargo logistics.
In addition to passenger transport, the SkyCourier’s performance will also enhance VIP operations, providing flexible and efficient travel solutions for business executives, government officials, and high-end tourism operators.
The SkyCourier’s Expanding Global Footprint
The Cessna SkyCourier continues to make inroads into new markets. Recently, Textron Aviation celebrated its first Canadian delivery to Air Bravo Corporation and achieved certification for the Combi configuration from Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency, followed by the first delivery into South America. These milestones highlight the aircraft’s adaptability and its growing global appeal among operators seeking dependable, multi-purpose solutions.
About the Cessna SkyCourier
The Cessna SkyCourier is a twin-engine, high-wing turboprop designed to deliver a balance of performance, cost efficiency, and versatility.
- Freighter Variant: Can carry up to three LD3 shipping containers with a 6,000-pound payload capacity, making it ideal for regional cargo transport.
- Passenger Variant: Configured for 19 passengers, features separate crew and passenger entry doors for faster boarding, and large windows to enhance the travel experience.
- Operational Efficiency: Both variants feature single-point pressure refueling for quicker turnaround times.
Powering the SkyCourier are two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-65SC turboprop engines paired with the McCauley Propeller C779—a 110-inch aluminum, four-blade, reversible-pitch propeller engineered for durability and performance. Equipped with Garmin G1000 NXi avionics, the aircraft can cruise at over 200 KTAS and has a maximum range of 900 nautical miles.
