Futuristic German airline flyVbird has signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to purchase up to 50 Alice all-electric commuter aircraft from Eviation.
The agreement between the two was announced on October 16, 2023, with both companies fully committed to a goal of sustainable and affordable travel.
The deal signed is initially for 25 Alice electric aircraft, with the option for a further 25 planes available.
flyVbird hopes to use Alice to enhance connectivity in rural areas where it will use smaller, more accessible airports.
flyVbird’s airline model is an AI-backed carrier that will use algorithms to schedule flights based on paid booking and plans to secure its own Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC).
“The fact that Alice is a zero-carbon, quiet, low operational cost aircraft makes it the perfect solution for flyVbird to deliver clean, on-demand regional travel across Europe into the next decade and beyond,” said Anton Lutz, CEO of flyVbird, at the Routes World 2023 Conference in Istanbul. “Through our unique AI-driven approach, we will offer direct alternatives to typical hub-and-spoke operations and Alice will play a critical role.”
The nine-seater Alice is the world’s first flight-tested all-electric commuter aircraft and is powered by two magni650 electric propulsion units developed by magniX.
“The European Union is moving forward with ambitious new rules aimed at decarbonizing the aviation industry,” said Eddie Jaisaree, Vice President, Commercial Sales at Eviation. “The Alice is the innovative and beautifully designed aircraft needed to lead aerospace’s transition to net zero carbon emissions. We are very pleased to partner with flyVbird in the future of flight.”