First To Fly Potential Airline Route

Ampaire is celebrating a major milestone for Scotland with the first set of hybrid electric flights taking place in the north of the country on August 12th.

The trials are part of the Sustainable Aviation Test Environment project, led by Highlands and Islands Airports. Running on battery power and a combustion engine, Ampaire’s Electric EEL is a modified six seat Cessna 337.

"These historic demonstration flights in Scotland bring us one step closer to making electric air travel a reality," said Sudhin Shahani, Surf Air Mobility's co-founder, CEO, and Executive Chairman. "By focusing first on immediately available hybrid solutions, Surf Air Mobility and Ampaire will be able to bring electric flight to market faster to regions like the Orkney Islands."

Justin Gillen, Ampaire test pilot, adds, "Today's flight to Wick went without a hitch, flying at 3500 feet and 120 miles per hour. The Electric EEL is easy to fly, flying a total of 5 hours here.  This EEL model, Ampaire's second aircraft, has been flying for over a year, demonstrating the reliability and economy, as well as the potential to transform regional aviation. Its flight characteristics are quite conventional, except for new power management indications in the cockpit."

"This is an important first step to decarbonizing Scottish regional aviation, while lowering the cost of air service," said Ampaire founder and CEO Kevin Noertker.

"It's a model for what Ampaire will be able to offer regional carriers everywhere." The company sees its hybrid-electric upgrades as a catalyst to zero-emission, all-electric aircraft, as battery technology advances and airport charging infrastructure matures.

"With CO2 emissions rising 70 percent faster than predicted," said Noertker, "transition to zero emission technology is critical. We're pleased to be taking a big step in that direction here in Scotland."

FMI: www.ampaire.com