A start-up airline today (Thursday) outlined plans to operate new hybrid-electric aircraft on regional routes.
Southend airport-based Avooma Airlines has signed an exclusive collaboration agreement with US manufacturer The AirCraft Company.
The two companies will explore the opportunity to advance the decarbonisation of regional aviation, utilising a family of 30- and 52-seat Pangea hybrid-electric regional aircraft.
A decision on potential future fleet investments is expected later this year.
The Pangea would use electric-first and hybrid-on-demand principles, allowing the aircraft to travel up to 400km using its onboard batteries, and up to 800km using a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and hydrogen-compatible range extender, according to the two companies.
The range could allow Avooma Airlines to serve communities throughout the entire UK and Ireland, as well as several key European business centres, without any CO2 emissions.
The first model in the proposed Pangea range is the 30-seat SY30J (pictured).
Avooma was formed in July 2020, originally as Lakeland Airways, to enhance regional connectivity by providing affordable, daily, non-stop scheduled flights to destinations across the UK and Europe utilising a fleet of environmentally sustainable aircraft.
Newly-appointed chief strategy and sustainability officer Cianan Kelly said: “Our plan is to start as a small airline and grow organically over several years to meet the considerable demand for regional connectivity in the UK.
“We are very conscious of the challenges which face start-ups in the industry and are taking a careful, measured approach to ensure long-term success.
“Though this unfortunately means that we are currently unable to commit to an exact launch date, the Pangea family of aircraft is set for entry-into-service in 2029.
“Our intention is to be fully operational well before this to facilitate a smooth transition to zero-carbon operations.”
Mario Asselin, co-chief executive of The AirCraft Company said that the deal with Avooma “will help to enhance regional travel in the UK and the Republic of Ireland for years to come, and set a strong example for other operators to follow”.
Jon Davies, chief vision officer of Avooma Airlines, added: “When establishing Avooma, we pledged to make environmental sustainability one of the three core principles of our business – people, places and the planet.
“I’m incredibly excited to announce this agreement with The AirCraft Company as it will act as a catalyst for change within our sector.
“Regional aviation is vital for local communities, and it’s crucial that we take steps like this to ensure our long-term viability.”
As part of the agreement, Asselin will join Avooma Airlines’ advisory board and both Davies and Kelly will become part of the advisory board of The AirCraft Company, becoming the first operator representatives to do so.