Ampaire receives firm order for 25 Eco Caravans
Ampaire has a firm order for 25 Eco Caravans from sustainable aviation financier, Monte.
The agreement also includes an option for an additional 25 aircraft. The Eco Caravan is a hybrid-electric upgrade of the Cessna Grand Caravan. It can reduce fuel and emissions as much as 70% on shorter trips and 50% on longer ones.
“Monte is looking to build a fleet of low emission and zero emission aircraft to lease or finance for regional aircraft operators worldwide,” said Timothy Eyre, Monte, investment director.
“Ampaire has emerged as the leading hybrid-electric technology provider. Its Eco Caravan will be very attractive for a segment of our operators, thanks to its wide performance envelope and ability to operate without ground charging infrastructure where necessary,” added Eyre.
The Eco Caravan can recharge its batteries in flight, meaning it can use any airport that Caravans fly from today, regardless of ground charging capability.
Ampaire CEO Kevin Noertker said: “It brings cost per available seat mile down to the range of driving, benefiting operators and their passengers. It dramatically shrinks the aircraft’s carbon footprint. The propulsion technology is scalable and we intend to quickly move toward larger regional aircraft and even the single-aisle jet market over time.”
The nine-passenger aircraft is undergoing ground power tests and will fly later this year. It is the first hybrid-electric aircraft to enter the certification process with the FAA. A supplemental type certification for the aircraft is expected in 2024, meaning it could be the earliest opportunity for regional carriers to fly sustainably.
