Charles Alcock

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

News and issues concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.

Hybrid-electric drone could support relief operations in Puerto Rico

UrbanLink Plans to Add Orca Cargo Drones to Diverse Fleet

Hanneke Weitering

Eviation's CEO offers insights into the slow-moving stealth program's progress

Eviation Quietly Prepares to Build Updated Alice Prototype

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

News about environmental issues relating to aircraft operations, including noise issues, emissisions, and regulations. See Fuel for biofuel.

The carrier has scrapped its 2030 target for reducing carbon dioxide emissions

Air New Zealand Keeps Electric Aircraft Plans Despite Net-zero Target Stall

With a new CEO in place, supplier selections will be announced later this year

Eviation Reveals Latest Redesign of Alice Electric Airplane

Eviation has shaken up its leadership team while the company’s all-electric Alice commuter airplane is undergoing a redesign. The Arlington, Washington-based aircraft developer has appointed Andre Stein, co-founder and former CEO of <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2023-06-01/eve-steps-ground-tests-preparation-evtol-prototype-assembly">Eve Air Mobility</a>, as its new CEO. Former Cirrus and Gulfstream executive Jeff Hurford is assuming the role of chief financial officer.
Gregory Davis, who joined Eviation as president in May 2021 and took on the added role of CEO one year later, “is stepping away from the company to pursue a new chapter in his career,” a company spokesperson told AIN, adding that Davis is “assisting with the transition.”
Davis had taken over as CEO after the company’s co-founder and former CEO <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2022-02-14/eviation-co-founder-and-ceo-leaves-company-alices-first-flight">Omer Bar-Yohay</a> stepped down from the position in February. At the time, Bar-Yohay said his decision was the result of “a long-standing disagreement with the company's main shareholder”—referring to Singapore-based Clermont Group, which also owns Eviation’s propulsion system supplier <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2022-01-07/roei-ganzarksi-steps-down-electric-aviation-start-ups-magnix-and-eviation">MagniX</a>.
Stein served as CEO of Eve, the advanced air mobility subsidiary of Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer, from its founding in October 2020 until the end of 2023. He&nbsp;has held multiple leadership positions at Embraer over the course of his 25-year career with the company.
Meanwhile, Hurford has has held senior financial and program management roles at various aerospace companies, including 19 years with business jet manufacturer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ainonline.com/company/gulfstream">Gulfstream Aerospace</a> and short stints with Lilium and Aerotec. He most recently worked with <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/company/cirrus-aircraft">Cirrus&nbsp;Aircraft</a>&nbsp;as platform director for the SR1X program.
The news of Eviation’s latest leadership shakeup comes 16 months after the company’s Alice prototype made its debut flight in Moses Lake, Washington. Although Eviation touted the inaugural flight as a success, the company has yet to perform any subsequent flight testing.
<article class="align-center media media--type-video media--view-mode-default">
 
 <div class="layout layout--onecol">
 <div class="layout__region layout__region--content">
 <div class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blockmediavideofield-media-oembed-video">
 
 
 
 <div class="field field--name-field-media-oembed-video field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item"><iframe src="https://backend.ainonline.com//media/oembed?url=https%3A//youtu.be/ZCTQiuHAFSQ&amp;max_width=0&amp;max_height=0&amp;hash=XxNliX8kT2oshppznihr0g7uNh-8RsOgkABo83ENGbw" width="200" height="113" class="media-oembed-content" loading="eager" title="All-Electric Alice Aircraft Makes First Flight as Eviation Delays Entry Into Service – FutureFlight"></iframe>
</div>
 
 </div>
<div class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blockmediavideofield-caption">
 
 
 
 <div class="field field--name-field-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">All-Electric Alice Aircraft Makes First Flight as Eviation Delays Entry Into Service – FutureFlight</div>
 
 </div>

 </div>
 </div>

 </article>
Last summer Eviation announced that it had <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2023-08-04/eviation-outsources-design-all-electric-alice-commuter-airplane">outsourced the design work</a> for the nine-seat Alice to Seattle-based engineering firm TLG Aerospace, which is developing the production configuration. Davis previously told AIN that Eviation intends to roll out one additional pre-production prototype and two production-conforming aircraft, which it will use for FAA type certification testing, in the next year or two. Eviation aims to have the Alice certified under the FAA’s Part 23 rules by 2027.
Despite the lack of any apparent progress on the design and certification of the Alice, Eviation’s order backlog has continued to swell and now exceeds $5 billion, according to Eviation. Most recently, German regional airline start-up <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2023-12-06/dutch-airport-partners-flyvbird-demand-air-taxi-services">Flyvbird</a> signed a letter of intent in October for the purchase of 25 Alice aircraft, following an order from South Korean leasing company <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2023-09-06/korean-lessor-solyu-orders-25-eviation-alice-aircraft">Solyu</a> for another 25 units.
Other prospective operators include UK-based aircraft leasing group <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2023-05-12/monte-plans-add-eviations-all-electric-alice-aircraft-its-leasing-portfolio">Monte</a>, <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2021-08-03/dhl-signs-launch-customer-all-electric-alice-freighter">DHL Express</a>, Massachusetts-based regional airline <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2022-04-18/cape-air-eviation-sign-letter-intent-covering-75-alice-electric-aircraft">Cape Air</a>, Australia’s <a href="https://futureflight.aero/news-article/2022-11-10/australian-airline-orders-20-eviation-alice-all-electric-commuter-airplanes">Northern Territory Air Service</a>, <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2022-12-14/air-new-zealand-names-four-partners-nextgen-aircraft-program">Air New Zealand</a>, Mexican regional airline <a href="https://futureflight.aero/news-article/2023-01-17/mexican-airline-start-orders-30-eviation-alice-electric-commuter-airplanes">Aerus</a>, German regional airline <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2023-03-09/no-shortcuts-evia-aeros-path-being-europes-first-green-regional-airline">Evia Aero</a>, and Miami-based charter and cargo flight provider <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2022-09-15/air-charter-firm-globalx-orders-50-eviation-alice-all-electric-aircraft">GlobalX</a>.

Science & Technology Editor

Eviation Shakes Up Leadership Team For Alice Electric Aircraft

South Korean leasing company Solyu has signed a letter of intent with Eviation covering 25 Alice all-electric commuter aircraft, the companies announced on&nbsp;Wednesday. The LOI, which includes an option for an additional 25 aircraft, marks the first such “order” for the nine-seat Alice since Eviation <a href="https://futureflight.aero/news-article/2023-08-04/eviation-outsources-design-all-electric-alice-commuter-airplane">outsourced its design work</a> to Seattle-based engineering firm TLG Aerospace.
Eviation claims now to have secured $5 billion worth of orders since it began marketing the aircraft in 2015. The vehicle became the <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2022-09-27/eviations-alice-electric-aircraft-starts-flight-test-campaign">first all-electric commuter aircraft to take flight</a> when it took off last September from Grant County International Airport in Washington State. However, it has yet to fly again, and development has slowed while TLG works on designing the production configuration and Eviation looks for “key production partners.” Eviation said it expects to gain FAA certification under Part 23 rules in 2027.
"With aviation regulations focusing on sustainability and airlines demanding to reduce their carbon footprint, we see Alice as a major contributor to meeting those targets,” said Solyu president Andrew Claerbout. “In addition to its zero emissions, Alice's flexible layout and low operating costs will provide operators opportunities to open new markets."
Despite the apparent slowdown in development, the Alice continues to draw commercial interest. Apart from the Solyu LOI, UK-based aircraft leasing group Monte signed a letter of intent covering the purchase of up to 30 Alice aircraft. Other customers include DHL Express (12 aircraft), Cape Air (75), Australia’s Northern Territory Air Service (20), Air New Zealand (23), Mexican regional airline Aerus (30), German regional airline Evia Aero (25), and Miami-based charter and cargo flight provider GlobalX (50). 
&nbsp;

Senior Editor

Gregory Polek

Korean Lessor Solyu Orders 25 Eviation Alice Aircraft

Electric aircraft developer Eviation has outsourced the design work for its nine-seat, all-electric Alice commuter airplane to TLG Aerospace, a Seattle-based engineering firm. As a subcontractor, TLG will develop the production configuration of Eviation’s Alice, the companies announced this week.
An Eviation spokesperson told AIN that while TLG will work on designing the production configuration of the aircraft, the company “is currently sourcing the key production partners who will work with us to build the aircraft.” They declined to comment on&nbsp;where the next Alice will be built. Eviation had previously sublet several hangars at Arlington Airport in Washington state, where the company is based.&nbsp;
Back in September, Eviation made history when a prototype of the Alice became the first fully electric commuter airplane to perform a flight test. That eight-minute sortie took place at Grant County International Airport (MWH) in Moses Lake, Washington. Now, more than 10 months later, the Alice has yet to perform a second flight.&nbsp;
The version of the Alice that flew in September may never fly again, as the company is doing some unspecified redesign work based on the results of that first flight test. “We will decide on the next flight based on the company’s needs as we work to develop a certification aircraft,” Eviation’s spokesperson said.&nbsp;
In May, Eviation CEO Greg Davis told AIN that the company intends to build three Alice aircraft over the next two years: one prototype and two production-conforming aircraft that it will use for FAA type certification testing. Eviation expects to have the Alice certified under the FAA’s Part 23 rules in 2027 when it plans to make the first deliveries to customers. The spokesperson said TLG will assist with the type certification efforts, but Eviation “will retain control over the aircraft type.”
According to Eviation, the all-electric, fixed-wing aircraft will have a range of about 250 nm on a single charge. Initially, the company was targeting a range of 440 nm, but it adjusted that number at the time of Alice’s first flight, citing the need for better battery technology than what is available today.&nbsp;
While Eviation hasn’t made much progress with its flight testing program since Alice’s debut flight, the company has been raking in orders from prospective buyers. It has reported multiple provisional sales to prospective operators that it says are worth around $4 billion.&nbsp;
Most recently, UK-based aircraft leasing group <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2023-05-12/monte-plans-add-eviations-all-electric-alice-aircraft-its-leasing-portfolio">Monte</a> signed a letter of intent covering the purchase of up to 30 Alice aircraft. Other customers include <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2021-08-03/dhl-signs-launch-customer-all-electric-alice-freighter">DHL Express</a> (12 aircraft), <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2022-04-18/cape-air-eviation-sign-letter-intent-covering-75-alice-electric-aircraft">Cape Air</a> (75), Australia’s <a href="https://futureflight.aero/news-article/2022-11-10/australian-airline-orders-20-eviation-alice-all-electric-commuter-airplanes">Northern Territory Air Service</a> (20), <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2022-12-14/air-new-zealand-names-four-partners-nextgen-aircraft-program">Air New Zealand</a> (23), Mexican regional airline <a href="https://futureflight.aero/news-article/2023-01-17/mexican-airline-start-orders-30-eviation-alice-electric-commuter-airplanes">Aerus</a> (30), German regional airline <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2023-03-09/no-shortcuts-evia-aeros-path-being-europes-first-green-regional-airline">Evia Aero</a> (25), and Miami-based charter and cargo flight provider <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2022-09-15/air-charter-firm-globalx-orders-50-eviation-alice-all-electric-aircraft">GlobalX</a> (50).

Eviation Outsources Design of All-electric Alice Commuter Airplane

Leasing group Monte this week became the latest prospective customer for Eviation’s Alice aircraft, signing a letter of intent on May 11 calling for orders for up to 30 of the all-electric fixed-wing model that will seat up to nine passengers. The UK-based company says it will provide financing and leasing options for companies wanting to operate the Alice, as well as charging infrastructure to support regional air services.
According to U.S.-based Eviation, the agreement with Monte takes the value of all the various commitments it has so far received for the Alice to $4 billion, including earlier letters of intent. It has not disclosed what pre-delivery deposit payments from customers who have so far committed to the aircraft, now expected to complete type certification under FAA’s Part 23 rules in 2027.
Six months ago, in November 2022, Eviation reported the value of provisional orders at $2 billion. Since then, the company has received commitments for a further 103 aircraft. In addition to this week’s agreement with Monte, Australia’s Northern Territory Air Service (20 aircraft), Air New Zealand (23), and <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2023-01-17/mexican-airline-start-orders-30-eviation-alice-electric-commuter-airplanes">Mexico-based Aerus</a> (30) have signed letters of intent since November.
The aircraft numbers associated with the rapid doubling of the number of sales commitments would seem to imply a list price for <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/aircraft-program/alice">the Alice</a> of some $19.4 million. By comparison, existing aircraft models such as the <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2022-11-18/ampaires-hybrid-electric-eco-caravan-makes-first-test-flight">Cessna Grand Caravan </a>and the<a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2021-08-24/uk-flight-trials-accelerate-ampaires-plans-convert-airliners-hybrid"> DHC-6 Twin Otter,</a> for which electric propulsion systems are now being developed, cost between around $2.5 million and $5.9 million.
New Production-Conforming Prototypes Planned For Test Flights Starting in 2025
It is now nine months since Eviation made a<a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2022-09-27/eviations-alice-electric-aircraft-starts-flight-test-campaign"> first flight </a>with its redesigned Alice prototype, taking off for an eight-minute sortie from Grant County International Airport in Moses Lake, Washington, on September 27. There have been no further flights since then and the company says it now plans to begin certification flight testing in 2025.
“Future flights will be driven by program requirements,” Eviation CEO Greg Davis told FutureFlight. “We will decide on the next flight based on the company’s needs as we work to develop a certification aircraft.”
Over the next two years, Eviation says it will build three more production-compliant Alice aircraft.&nbsp;“The first one will be built as a prototype and the two after that will be built as production aircraft and used in the certification test program.”
Eviation has not specified what changes it will make to the aircraft used for the program’s sole flight so far. At a press conference on the day of the first flight, Davis told reporters that the company pushed back the timeline for service entry&nbsp;due to the need to source improved batteries.
At the same time, the company also adjusted the published range for the Alice from 440 nm to 250 nm in VFR conditions. It says the aircraft will also be able to operate in IFR conditions, and will be available as a <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2021-12-10/eviation-unveils-executive-version-alice-first-flight-nears">six-seat executive model</a>.
&nbsp;
<article class="align-center media media--type-video media--view-mode-default">
 
 <div class="layout layout--onecol">
 <div class="layout__region layout__region--content">
 <div class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blockmediavideofield-media-oembed-video">
 
 
 
 <div class="field field--name-field-media-oembed-video field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item"><iframe src="https://backend.ainonline.com//media/oembed?url=https%3A//youtu.be/ZCTQiuHAFSQ&amp;max_width=0&amp;max_height=0&amp;hash=XxNliX8kT2oshppznihr0g7uNh-8RsOgkABo83ENGbw" width="200" height="113" class="media-oembed-content" loading="eager" title="All-Electric Alice Aircraft Makes First Flight as Eviation Delays Entry Into Service – FutureFlight"></iframe>
</div>
 
 </div>
<div class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blockmediavideofield-caption">
 
 
 
 <div class="field field--name-field-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">All-Electric Alice Aircraft Makes First Flight as Eviation Delays Entry Into Service – FutureFlight</div>
 
 </div>

 </div>
 </div>

 </article>

Managing Editor

Monte Plans to Add Eviation's All-electric Alice Aircraft to Its Leasing Portfolio

Aerus, a new regional airline in Mexico, has conditionally agreed to purchase 30 <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/aircraft-program/alice">Alice</a> commuter airplanes from Washington state-based electric aircraft developer Eviation. The two companies announced on January 17 that they had signed a letter of intent covering the deal.
According to Eviation, <a href="https://flyaerus.com/">Aerus</a> aims to use the nine-seat, fully electric commuter airplane for “middle-mile” travel over areas of northern Mexico including Nuevo León, Tamaulipas, Coahuila, and Veracruz—regions that have been historically underserved by aviation.
“Our aircraft is an ideal fit for Aerus as a large number of flights in northern Mexico are already less than 250 miles,” said Eviation president and CEO Gregory Davis. “We are always pleased to receive the endorsement of forward-thinking airlines that are keen to address the climate challenge and be part of the future of aviation.”
Aerus is based in Monterrey, the capital of the northeastern Mexican state of Nuevo León. The airline was established in May of 2022 and expects to begin operations in the first quarter of this year. While initial routes will cover northeastern Mexico, the airline plans to introduce longer national and international flights. In addition to the 30 Eviation Alice aircraft, Aerus has&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2022-12-27/textron-announces-first-airline-order-skycourier">ordered two Cessna 408 SkyCourier twin turboprops</a> and four Cessna Grand Caravan EX turboprop singles.
“As we enter into service, our objective is to create new opportunities for regional travel in Mexico that are environmentally and economically sustainable," said Javier Herrera García, CEO of Aerus. "Working with Eviation to bring a zero-emissions fleet to our region will transform the way we experience air travel and connect communities."
Eviation’s Alice became the world’s first fully electric commuter airplane to fly when it conducted a<a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2022-09-27/eviations-alice-electric-aircraft-starts-flight-test-campaign">&nbsp;test flight</a> over Moses Lake, Washington, in September 2022. The aircraft is initially expected to offer a range of about 250 nm on a single charge, although Eviation has said it expects the range to increase to 440 nm as new and improved battery technology becomes available.&nbsp;
The Alice, which is expected to enter service in 2027, will be available in three models. In addition to the nine-seat commuter airplane, the company will offer a more luxurious <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2021-12-10/eviation-unveils-executive-version-alice-first-flight-nears">“executive” version</a> with six seats, as well as a cargo-carrying version that can transport up to 2,600 pounds of payload.&nbsp;
Aerus is just the latest of a slew of customers&nbsp;that Eviation has attracted in the past year, and the company now has an order backlog exceeding $2 billion. Other buyers&nbsp;include the Australian airline and charter operator <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2022-11-10/australian-airline-orders-20-eviation-alice-all-electric-commuter-airplanes">NTAS</a>, German regional carrier <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2022-10-19/evia-aero-orders-25-eviation-alice-electric-commuters">Evia Aero</a>, Massachusetts-based regional airline <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2022-04-18/cape-air-eviation-sign-letter-intent-covering-75-alice-electric-aircraft">Cape Air</a>, and Miami-based charter and cargo flight provider <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2022-09-15/air-charter-firm-globalx-orders-50-eviation-alice-all-electric-aircraft">GlobalX</a>.

Mexican Airline Start-up Orders 30 Eviation Alice Electric Commuter Airplanes

Electric aircraft developer Eviation has received an order for 20 <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/aircraft-program/alice">Alice</a> all-electric, nine-seat commuter airplanes from the Australian airline and charter operator Northern Territory Air Services (NTAS), the Washington state-based manufacturer&nbsp;announced on November 10.&nbsp;
NTAS is a family-owned and -operated airline coincidentally based in Alice Springs, a town in Australia’s Northern Territory. The company offers scheduled airline services and charter flights, as well as scenic aerial tours, air safari experiences, and cargo flights to remote areas across Australia. Its location in Alice Springs offers a convenient link for passengers of major airlines arriving at and departing from airports in Uluru and Mount Isa.&nbsp;
“Australia is recognized around the world for its breathtaking scenery, and adopting carbon-free technologies is fundamental to preserving the environment for future generations,” said Ian Scheyer, CEO of NTAS. “Eviation’s all-electric Alice aircraft provides us with the opportunity to chart a sustainable path forward in connecting communities across the country. With the adoption of electric aviation, we will be able to provide cost-effective and convenient passenger and cargo flights across the outback.”
“We value the forward-looking approach NTAS is taking to electrifying both passenger and freight transport services as well as promoting green tourism,” said Eviation president and CEO Gregory Davis. “The introduction of sustainable technology to meet the needs of NTAS and its customers demonstrates the versatility of electric aviation, and the ubiquitous opportunities for positive transformation through emissions-free regional air travel.”
Eviation’s order book for its electric airplane is now worth more than $2 billion. In recent months, the company has signed letters of intent with several airlines around the world, including the German regional carrier&nbsp;<a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2022-10-19/evia-aero-orders-25-eviation-alice-electric-commuters">Evia Aero</a>, Massachusetts-based regional airline <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2022-04-18/cape-air-eviation-sign-letter-intent-covering-75-alice-electric-aircraft">Cape Air</a>, and Miami-based charter and cargo flight provider Global Crossing Airlines Group, also known as <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2022-09-15/air-charter-firm-globalx-orders-50-eviation-alice-all-electric-aircraft">GlobalX</a>.
The all-electric Alice made its <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2022-09-27/eviations-alice-electric-aircraft-starts-flight-test-campaign">debut test flight</a> over a desert area in Washington state in September, and Eviation expects the aircraft to enter service in 2027 when the company will also make its first deliveries. Initially, the Alice is expected to have a range of about 250 nautical miles, although the company has said it aims to achieve a longer range of about 440 nm when available battery technology improves.&nbsp;
In addition to the nine-seat commuter model, Eviation is offering a cargo-carrying version of the Alice aircraft, which can transport loads of&nbsp;up to 2,600 pounds. The company also plans to provide&nbsp;an <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2021-12-10/eviation-unveils-executive-version-alice-first-flight-nears">executive version</a> of the Alice, with a more spacious and luxurious cabin that can seat six passengers.

Eviation

News

UrbanLink Plans to Add Orca Cargo Drones to Diverse Fleet

Eviation Quietly Prepares to Build Updated Alice Prototype

Air New Zealand Keeps Electric Aircraft Plans Despite Net-zero Target Stall

Eviation Reveals Latest Redesign of Alice Electric Airplane

Eviation Shakes Up Leadership Team For Alice Electric Aircraft

Korean Lessor Solyu Orders 25 Eviation Alice Aircraft

Eviation Outsources Design of All-electric Alice Commuter Airplane

Monte Plans to Add Eviation's All-electric Alice Aircraft to Its Leasing Portfolio

Mexican Airline Start-up Orders 30 Eviation Alice Electric Commuter Airplanes

Australian Airline Orders 20 Eviation Alice All-Electric Commuter Airplanes

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN