Large hybrid aircraft orders and much more (The Allplane Newsletter #143)
This is the last newsletter of 2023, so taking this opportunity to wish all of you a very Happy and Prosperous 2024!
Electric Aviation
A new battery-electric aircraft development project called Elysian has been launched out of the Netherlands. It is backed by Panta Holdings, an investment firm that used to own VLM Airlines a few years back. More details about this project will be revealed on 10th January 2024 at AIAA Sci-Tech Forum and Exhibition, which will take place in Orlando, Florida.
Could hybrid-electric aviation be a nearly $2B industry by 2025?
A research firm thinks so.
In the meantime, 3 hybrid-electric developers (Electra, Heart Aerospace and Aura Aero) received a joint order for up to 332 aircraft from US regional private charter operator JSX.
A look up close at the propulsion system of a new generation airship like the one being developed by Flying Whales. Actually, the French airship developer is planning to build a factory in the UAE.
Advanced Air Mobility
Overair has completed the first full-scale demonstrator of its Butterfly eVTOL.
AIR is extending its cooperation with the US military AFWERX program to find military uses for its 2-seater eVTOL.
Joby and NASA demonstrated successfully how eVTOLs can operate in busy airspaces. In particular, they simulated how up to 120 operations per hour in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) airspace would work.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
Rolls-Royce and Shell are working together in a programme called SAFinity to get executive jet users to pay for SAF and get credited for it using the book and claim method. Unclear how this will stack up with other similar programs offered by executive jet operators.
Other sustainable aviation news
Governments are getting interested in very high altitude operations, as startups like Destinus start to develop civilian hypersonic technologies.
What else in aviation?
Pegasus Airlines Chief Commercial Officer, Onur Dedeköylü, shared some insights about one of Europe’s most successful airlines.
Air India received its much-anticipated first Airbus A350. Somehow this aircraft has become a symbol of the resurgent flag carrier of India.
SunExpress is leasing more aircraft to South African Airways (SAA). Here you can find the interview I did with SunExpress’ CEO, Max Kownatzi.
Strong winds damaged aircraft in Argentina. Crazy footage!
What trends are driving the launch of new routes this upcoming 2024? Condé Nast Traveler asked my opinion about it.