EXPANDING HORIZONS: CESSNA GRAND CARAVAN EX AMPHIBIAN DEBUTS IN MALAYSIA, ENHANCING CONNECTIVITY IN SOUTHEAST ASIA

WICHITA, Kan. (Feb. 17, 2024) — Textron Aviation has officially revealed the handover of a new Cessna Grand Caravan EX Amphibian turboprop to Malaysian real estate developer, Ikhasas Sdn Bhd, through its subsidiary Oriental Sky Sdn Bhd. This aircraft, which will be managed and operated by the local charter service Systematic Aviation Services (SAS), is set to facilitate passenger transport between the capital, Kuala Lumpur, and a newly established seaside resort on the Perhentian Islands, located off the northeastern coast of Malaysia. This operation marks a significant milestone as it represents the country’s inaugural amphibious airplane service in recent history, following the acquisition of necessary approvals from the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia to commence domestic flights in 2024.

The Cessna Grand Caravan EX Amphibian is engineered and produced by Textron Aviation Inc., a subsidiary of Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT).

Ir. Tan Chee Kian, the managing director of Ikhasas group, stated, “Seaplanes will present the most efficient means of reaching the Perhentian Islands. Presently, it entails a lengthy 6-hour road trip followed by a one-hour ferry crossing from the port in Kuala Besut. With our 11-seater aircraft, travelers will enjoy significant time savings, as it will fly passengers from Kuala Lumpur to land directly in the waters adjacent to the beachside resort. At the same time, we are committed to safeguarding the islands’ pristine ecosystem and natural woodlands, which would otherwise be at risk due to airport construction.”

We are privileged that the Grand Caravan EX Amphibian was chosen. Its adaptability and superior operational efficiency make it an ideal ally for Ikhasas in fostering sustainable tourism. The spacious cabin, expansive windows for scenic views, and the capacity to take off and land on any water body are perfect for their objectives,” said Tony Jones, vice president, International Sales (Asia-Pacific).

“We are privileged that the Grand Caravan EX Amphibian was chosen. Its adaptability and superior operational efficiency make it an ideal ally for Ikhasas in fostering sustainable tourism. The spacious cabin, expansive windows for scenic views, and the capacity to take off and land on any water body are perfect for their objectives,” Tony Jones, vice president, International Sales (Asia-Pacific), remarked. “Malaysia also represents a significant market for Textron Aviation. Our products command the leading position in the installed fleet, constituting over 40% of the national general aviation aircraft. Customers in Malaysia employ our offerings for diverse operations, including VIP transport, tourism, as well as specialized missions like air ambulances and skydiving.”