ST. LOUIS – Air Choice One announced that it has ordered one of two new Cessna Caravan EX’s being acquired for the company’s fleet by the end of fall of 2015. Air Choice One CEO Shane Storz, will accept the first new aircraft at the Cessna Aircraft Corporation factory in Wichita, Kansas the last week of April, 2015.
“These brand new aircraft continue to demonstrate our [Air Choice One’s] commitment to, investment in, and creation of a next-generation regional airline that ensures smaller cities maintain connectivity with the national air transportation system and global economy, as well as restore service on local commuter routes with proven demand that have been abandoned by large carriers,” said Shane Storz.
Since the first delivery over 25 years ago, more than 2,700 Cessna Caravans have been delivered to customers in all corners of the world. Cessna has continuously enhanced the Caravan and the “Cessna Caravan EX” versions being delivered to Air Choice One are equipped with a larger PT-6 turboprop engine that provides increased payload capability, faster rate of climb, and higher cruise speeds.
The new aircraft are equipped with the all-glass Garmin G1000 avionics suite which incorporates Synthetic Vision Technology (SVT) that includes topographical displays of terrain, visualization of other air traffic, and real-time data from both aircraft and engine that improves situational awareness and trend monitoring to facilitate pre-emptive maintenance that reduces flight delays and cancellations attributable to mechanical issues.
Further benefits of the Garmin 1000 include an advanced autopilot system that can perform virtually all pilot actions from climb-out through final descent and reduces pilot workload with precise vertical and horizontal guidance. These capabilities will result in higher flight completion rates, even during the most challenging weather conditions, as well as enhanced levels of safety and comfort.
The new aircraft are being delivered with TKS anti-ice/de-ice systems that exude glycol-based fluid through laser drilled holes on the leading edge of the wing and other critical surfaces. The fluid prevents precipitation from adhering to the aircraft, further enhancing both safety and operational reliability.
The airline believes that improved reliability of the new aircraft will result in greater support for local air service, and enable it to continue offering reliable service that will provide customers with confidence flying out of their local airport compared to other transportation options, including driving or flying from other airports in the region.
The two new Cessna Caravans join Air Choice One’s existing fleet of 7 Caravans that operate in all Lower 48 routes. Air Choice One fleet standardization results in, high dispatch reliability, customer comfort, and other operational efficiencies.
The two new aircraft will initially be positioned at St. Louis International Airport which serves as the main base of operation for Air Choice One’s route system. Markets served include Burlington IA, Decatur IL, Fort Dodge IA, Ironwood MI, Jonesboro AR, Mason City IA, and Jackson TN, where Air Choice One will launch service on June 28.
