The AirCraft Company joins Regional Airline Association

The AirCraft Company has joined North America’s Regional Airline Association (RAA). 

Membership to the association, which promotes safety and reliability in the regional airline industry, is logical step for The AirCraft Company as it continues development of its hybrid-electric family of regional aircraft. The Kansas-based aircraft startup is developing a series of hybrid-electric regional airliners covering a seat-range of 30 to 70 passengers it calls the Pangea family. 

Mario Asselin, CEO and co-founder, said: “The first aircraft model for the Pangea family will be the 30-seater SY30J. As a clean sheet design, we believe there is an opportunity to address accessibility and finally bring to market an airplane that is in compliance with the American Disability Act. The Pangea family will ensure airlines better comply to the American Air Carrier Access Act.” 

The Pangea aircraft family will offer a reduction in direct operating cost by up to 90% on short routes. The aircraft will be capable of operating from short runways in order to connect the unserved and remote communities, as well as improving accessibility for people with reduced mobility. The series will also be single pilot operation enabled. 

Last month, The AirCraft Company revealed the final member of its Pangea family of aircraft, the SY50J. With a baseline seating capability of 50 seats, the aircraft will be the largest in the Pangea family. Entry into service is planned for late 2030s.

“The AirCraft Company has conceptually validated the newest and largest member of the Pangea family of hybrid-electric regional airliners, the SY50J,” said Asselin.

“Airlines will now have options to replace all those old regional jets and turboprops of the 30 to 70 seats capacity. The Pangea family offers a new airframe designed with the latest technology, the use of AI in the cockpit and common crew qualification. The hybrid-electric powertrain will offer unparalleled operating economics.”