Kamaka Air (KMK, Honolulu) took delivery of its first Cessna 408F and will become the type's first operator not affiliated exclusively with FedEx.
N408KA (msn 408-0009) was registered by the carrier's in-house leasing arm, Kam Air Leasing Co LLC, on February 1, 2023. Flightradar24 ADS-B data shows it continues to operate proving flights at Wichita Beech Factory ahead of a ferry flight to Hawai'i.
Manufacturer Textron Aviation confirmed that Kanaka Air was its customer but did not disclose the size of its commitment. The airline did not respond to ch-aviation's request for comment.
Kamaka Air operates Part 135 cargo flights within Hawai'i, with its main base at Honolulu. Its customers include the United States Postal Service, United Parcel Service, FedEx, and others. The carrier's current fleet comprises six Cessna (single turboprop) C208B Grand Caravans in cargo configuration. The airline said it needs larger aircraft due to demand for odd-sized, more voluminous, and heavier freight which sometimes required dispatching two C208s simultaneously.
The only active customer for the Cessna 408F is currently FedEx Express (FX, Memphis International). The logistics integrator placed the first three aircraft under a CMI contract with Mountain Air Cargo (MTN, Kinston) and another three with Empire Airlines (EM, Coeur d'Alene Pappy Boyington). While the former has already launched the type's operations, the latter has yet to do so. FedEx has a further forty-four C408Fs on firm order, of which at least two will be placed with Empire Airlines, and an option for an additional 50 units.
