EVIO has made its public debut with the launch of its EVIO 810 hybrid-electric regional aircraft, saying it has secured conditional purchase agreements and options covering 450 aircraft as it targets entry into service in the early 2030s.
The U.S.-based startup said it is supported by investment and technical assistance from Boeing and is working with RTX’s Pratt & Whitney Canada on propulsion technology for the aircraft. EVIO is targeting the 50- to 100-seat segment, aiming to offer improved efficiency and lower emissions compared with existing regional turboprops and jets.
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The EVIO 810 is based on a clean-sheet design and uses what the company describes as a “strong hybrid-electric” architecture, allowing for both all-electric and hybrid-electric flight modes depending on mission requirements. EVIO said the configuration is intended to support passenger, cargo and defence applications.
“From day one, our focus has been on increasing profitability for regional operators and providing an exceptional passenger experience,” Michael Derman, chief executive of EVIO, said. He added that the company believes a strong hybrid-electric architecture can deliver efficiency gains that help airlines maintain regional networks in a more cost-effective and environmentally responsible way.
EVIO said it received conditional purchase agreements in 2023 for 250 aircraft from two major airlines, with options for a further 200 units. The company estimates that more than 5,000 regional aircraft will need replacement over the next 20 years and projects total demand of more than 7,500 aircraft in this category over that period.
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Pratt & Whitney Canada said it will contribute propulsion expertise, including use of its PT6E engine, as part of the collaboration. “We will leverage the proven performance and unmatched reliability of the PT6E engine, as well as our decades of experience in propulsion technology innovation and systems integration,” said Scott McElvaine, vice president of sales and marketing at Pratt & Whitney Canada.
Boeing said the programme reflects broader innovation in clean aviation. “EVIO’s new hybrid-electric aircraft development and partnership with Canadian industry is an example of the promising innovation in the country’s aerospace sector,” said Al Meinzinger, president of Boeing Canada, adding that Boeing would continue to support EVIO as the programme advances.
Industry data cited by EVIO shows that around 2,650 regional aircraft have been retired over the past five years due to rising costs, while only about 750 new aircraft have entered service, reducing the global regional fleet by roughly 27%. Despite this, EVIO estimates there are around 47,000 daily regional flights under 500 miles worldwide.
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Aerospace consultant Richard Aboulafia of Aerodynamic Advisory, who has reviewed the programme, said demand was not the core issue facing the regional market. “The challenge in the regional market is not demand, but rather the lack of a modern, economical solution,” he said, adding that EVIO appeared well positioned to disrupt the short-haul segment.