The Cessna 408 SkyCourier is an American twin-turboprop, high-wing, utility aircraft under development by Textron Aviation. -wikipedia.

The Model 408 was launched on November 28, 2017 by Textron Aviation, with an introduction planned for 2020.[2] The 408's design was developed to match FedEx Express requirements, like the earlier Cessna 208 Caravan.[4] FedEx Express will be the launch customer, with an order of "50 cargo aircraft and options for 50 more".[2][5]

Initial wind tunnel tests were completed in March 2018. The first flight was originally planned for 2019 and first deliveries anticipated in 2020.[6] The design will be certified to FAR Part 23 standards.[7] FedEx plans to take monthly deliveries over four years starting in 2020, and a similar pace for a second batch, if it agrees to that option.[8] A full-scale mockup of the 19-passenger cabin was displayed at the October 2018 National Business Aviation Association convention.[9]

The mating of the wing and fuselage of the first aircraft was completed in December 2019.[10]

By March 2020, initial ground testing was completed, checking the fuel system, engines, avionics interfaces and electrical systems.[11] The first flight was completed on May 17, 2020, operating from Beech Factory Airport for a 2-hour and 15-minute flight. The prototype aircraft, along with five additional flight and ground test articles, will be used for testing leading to certification.[1] The second prototype first flew in August 2020. It is the first production-conforming aircraft and will be used for testing the engines, propellers, environmental controls and the avionics.[12] A third test aircraft first flew in September 2020.[3]- wikipedia