Page 89 - World Airnews Magazine April 2020 Edition

BUSINESS
AVIATION

CESSNA SKYCOURIER TAKES NEXT

STEP

Textron Aviation has
successfully completed initial
ground engine tests on the
prototype Cessna SkyCourier
twin utility turboprop featuring
Pratt & Whitney Canada
PT6A-65SC engines. These
ground engine tests verified the
functionality of the fuel system
and engines, as well as the
interface with the avionics and development schedule.” fuselage in December 2019. designed for high utilisation
electrical systems. The Cessna SkyCourier and will deliver a combination
“The successful engine programme continues to RELENTLESS CAPABILITY of robust performance and
run tests are a pivotal step advance with the assembly of The Cessna SkyCourier will be lower operating costs. Cessna
toward proving the maturity the prototype and additional offered in various configura- SkyCourier will feature the
of the aircraft and its systems five flight and ground test tions including a 6,000-pound popular Garmin G1000 NXi
as we prepare for first flight,” articles. The tail was installed payload capable freighter, a avionics suite. Both freighter
said Chris Hearne, senior vice to the fuselage in February 19-seat passenger version and passenger variants of the
president, programmes and 2020. Power to the aircraft’s or a mixed passenger/freight Cessna SkyCourier will offer
engineering. electrical system was turned combination, all based on the single-point pressure refuelling
“We continue to meet each on in January, and the wings common platform. to enable faster turnarounds.
important milestone in our were successfully mated to the The Cessna SkyCourier is Q

NEWS DIGITAL
CORONAVIRUS INFLICTS PAIN ON

HORTICULTURE EXPORTERS

By Isaac Khisa

citing operational reasons. increased from 3.31 million 60kg million
Emmanuel Mutahunga, commissioner bags worth (US) $398million in 2008
As Uganda remains vigilant on for external trade at the Ministry of Trade, to 4.17million 60kg million bags worth
the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) Industry and Cooperatives said that (US) $436.4million in 2018, according to
around the globe, its horticulture industry the current Coronavirus spread is likely statistics from Bank of Uganda (BoU).
is already feeling the pinch as airlines to threaten the country’s horticulture Tea exports also increased from 46
temporarily suspend flights to potential sub-sector. tonnes worth (US) $47.35million to 70,362
market destinations. “We are likely to see the effect of tonnes worth (US) $88.8million during the
With the exception of Ethiopian Airlines, COVID-19 going forward,” he said, “If same period under review.
all African carriers including Kenya Airways, people are not able to access products, Beans increased from 31,525 tonnes
RwandAir, Air Tanzania and Air Royal Maroc certainly that affects demand.” worth (US) $12.8million in 2008 to 218,817
have suspended their flights to various Mutahunga, however, said the tonnes worth (US) $ 99million in 2018.
destinations in Europe and Asia including government is monitoring the situation to Similarly, fruits and vegetables export
Italy, Spain, Philippines and China, a step assess the effect and devise measures for registered a sharp increase from 16,586
that has hampered export of the country’s mitigation. tonnes worth (US) $14.3million to 95,215
horticulture products. Uganda exports various horticulture tonnes worth (US) $40.6million during the
Emirates, which had remained as the products including coffee, tea, flowers, period under review.
only alternative airline to transport the beans, fresh vegetables and fruits abroad, However, flower exports have dropped
country’s cargo to the market abroad earning the farmers and the country from 6,621 tonnes worth (US) $46.5million
through its hub in the Middle East, has millions of dollars. in 2008 to 6,260 tonnes worth (US)
reduced its flights to Entebbe till April 29 Coffee exports, for instance, have $60.89million in 2018. Q

World Airnews | April Extra 2018
— 87 —