Market Intelligence: Europe

France – Elixir Aircraft, the French low-carbon training aircraft manufacturer—whose fleet already includes 35 aircraft flying across Europe—is developing a turbine-powered version compatible with all types of aviation fuels. The Elixir, equipped with a Turbotech turbine, completed its maiden flight in La Rochelle just ahead of the Paris Air Show. This inaugural flight marks a key step toward a 100% SAF-powered flight scheduled for the end of 2025.

To support this initiative, Elixir Aircraft signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)—a formal agreement outlining the intent to collaborate—with TotalEnergies on June 17, 2025. Under this MoU, TotalEnergies will supply part of the sustainable aviation fuel used during flight testing.

First Flight of the Elixir Turbine in La Rochelle

This milestone is part of the BeautHyFuel project, supported by CORAC (the French Civil Aviation Research Council) and the DGAC. It is led by Elixir Aircraft and Turbotech, in partnership with Safran Aircraft Engines, Daher, and Air Liquide.

Following the first engine start on the aircraft in February 2025, the Elixir “Turbine” completed its maiden flight on June 6, 2025, in La Rochelle. The flight lasted 55 minutes. Since then, the aircraft has entered its flight testing campaign, having already accumulated over five hours and seven test flights.

A 100% SAF-powered flight is scheduled before the end of 2025.

The Elixir Turbine is on display at the Paris Air Show as part of a DGAC exhibit showcasing recent innovations from French aerospace manufacturers aimed at decarbonizing light aviation—many of which are already in active operation.

MoU Signed with TotalEnergies

To support its flight testing program using Jet A-1 SAF, Elixir Aircraft signed a Memorandum of Understanding with TotalEnergies on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, during the Paris Air Show. TotalEnergies will supply part of the sustainable fuel needed for the test flights.

The first phase of testing, beginning this summer, will use a 35% blend of SAF biofuel produced in France by TotalEnergies. A second phase will use 100% SAF by the end of 2025.

“TotalEnergies shares our ambition to develop solutions that help decarbonize the aviation industry. We are thrilled to conduct the Elixir Turbine tests with the support of this leading innovator in aviation fueling,” said Arthur Léopold-Léger, Co-founder and President of Elixir Aircraft.

“We are delighted to support Elixir Aircraft with the supply of sustainable aviation fuel for its flight tests. SAF plays an essential role in decarbonising the aviation sector and this agreement demonstrates our ability to support our customers in reducing their CO₂ emissions,” said Louise Tricoire, SVP Aviation & Marine Fuel at TotalEnergies.

The Elixir: A 4th Generation Aircraft, Made in France

 The Elixir is a 4th-generation aircraft featuring a streamlined all-composite Carbon OneShot airframe, composed of only nine parts—no rivets, no glue. This innovative technology offers exceptional structural integrity, enhanced safety, simplified maintenance, and a lighter weight—resulting in lower fuel consumption compared to traditional 2nd-generation metal or 3rd-generation semi-composite aircraft. Thanks to its advanced structure and low fuel usage of just 12 litres per hour, the Elixir is the most environmentally efficient aircraft in its category.

With an order book of 300 units—mostly for export—the Elixir has been adopted by private flight schools such as Airbus Flight Academy and Leading Edge Aviation, and was recently selected by ENAC (École Nationale de l’Aviation Civile).

A Future-Proof, Fuel-Agnostic Aircraft

While Elixir Aircraft chose the reliable Rotax engine to meet today’s flight school requirements, the company remains focused on advancing sustainable aviation technologies:

• Its current production of ultra-efficient piston-engine aircraft, running on unleaded fuel, already reduces CO₂ emissions by 70%.
• The development of the Turbotech TP-R90 turbine prototype, designed to run on sustainable aviation fuel, will achieve an 85% reduction in CO₂ emissions.

About Elixir Aircraft
Elixir Aircraft is a French aircraft manufacturer founded in 2015 to meet the challenges of global light aviation. Based in La Rochelle, it has over 200 employees and is recruiting massively. Elixir Aircraft designed and has been building a 4th-generation two-seater aircraft, certified EASA CS-23 since 2020. Elixir Aircraft uses technology from the world of competitive sailing, the “Carbon Oneshot” (in one piece), to simplify structures. More simplicity means fewer failures, so greater safety, but also less maintenance, and lower costs ($50/h fuel and maintenance).  There are 35 Elixir aircraft currently in operation, with over 300 of the 4th-generation Elixir aircraft on the order book (firm orders, pre-orders and letters of intent). In June 2023, the French President announced a 13-million euro subsidy for Elixir Aircraft. In early 2024, Elixir Aircraft announced the closing of its development financing for the next 5 years, with a budget of 40 million euros. In June 2025, Elixir Aircraft was chosen by ENAC (École Nationale de l’Aviation Civile) to renew its fleet of VFR aircraft. Elixir Aircraft is preparing to open a new 15,000 m2 facility in La Rochelle and another in Sarasota, Florida.

Source: Elixir Aircraft
Photo Credit: Elixir Aircraft