Avooma and The AirCraft Company to assess regional routes in UK and Europe

Startup carrier Avooma Airlines has partnered with The AirCraft Company to explore using its hybrid-electric aircraft on regional routes across the UK, Ireland and Europe. 

Southend-based Avooma signed an exclusive agreement the Kansas aircraft developer to assess the potential of its family of 30- and 52-seat hybrid-electric regional aircraft, aka Pangea. A decision on potential future fleet investments is expected later this year.

Using a hybrid-on-demand principle, Pangea aircraft will be able to travel up to 400km (248miles) using its onboard batteries, and up to 800km (496miles) using a SAF- and hydrogen-compatible range extender. This range could allow Avooma to serve communities throughout the UK and Republic of Ireland, as well as a selection of European destinations.

Mario Asselin, co-CEO of The AirCraft Company said: “[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.”

As part of the agreement, Asselin will join Avooma’s advisory board, and both Jon Davies and Cianan Kelly, Avooma’s newly appointed chief strategy and sustainability officer, will join the advisory board of The AirCraft Company

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 & 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.”