Dutch airframer Maeve announced today at the Farnborough International Airshow that it is collaborating with Pratt & Whitney Canada on the design of its 80-seater hybrid-electric regional aircraft, the M80.
“As a clean sheet design, the performance and efficiency of the Maeve M80 will be a game changer for the regional aviation market, combining advanced aerodynamics and a disruptive propulsion technology,” said Martin Nuesseler, Maeve’s Chief Technology Officer, when announcing the partnership. “Working together with Pratt & Whitney Canada at this stage of the programme will enable us to validate and optimize the design of the aircraft and hybrid-electric propulsion system, tapping into the full potential of this promising new technology.”
The M80 will offer a range of up to 1,200 nautical miles (approximately 2,200 kilometres), reducing emissions by up to 40% when compared to comparable types, whilst combining the economics of a turboprop with the performance of a jet. Maeve is currently targeting an entry-into-service (EIS) date of 2032, and forecasts growth in the regional sector for the next two decades. It describes its strategy as providing a “clean sheet aircraft design that sets new standards in sustainability and economics”, predicting that this will allow it to best target the market which it views as “underserved.”
Anthony Rossi, Vice President of Global sales and marketing for Pratt & Whitney Canada, said that “Reaching the ambitious goals of reducing emissions and making aviation more sustainable will depend on combined efforts to accelerate technology innovation and drive collaboration in our industry.”
Cianan Kelly entered the sphere of aviation journalism two years ago with his debut publication, Connecting the UK, which was met with acclaim by enthusiasts and industry professionals alike. He joined Fresh Aviation in late 2022 with the aim of contributing to high-quality aviation press and research, with a focus on sustainability and the regional aviation sector.