Market Intelligence: -Training Aircraft Developments

Training Aircraft Manufacturer Bye Aerospace Launches Construction of All-Electric eFlyer 2

USA – Bye Aerospace has begun constructing its first all-electric aircraft, the eFlyer 2, marking a key milestone for the company. The project, based at Bye Aerospace’s facility at Centennial Airport (KAPA) in Denver, focuses on creating a fully composite structure, validating design specifications, and establishing production protocols for the aircraft.

  • The eFlyer 2, engineered specifically for the aviation training market, is designed to enhance efficiency and sustainability in pilot training.
  • Company officials state that the aircraft’s clean-sheet design, featuring optimized aerodynamics and lightweight composite materials, aims to reduce operating costs by up to 80% and maintenance needs by up to 75%.
  • Serial Number 00001 will undergo extensive aerodynamic testing once assembly is complete, as part of the aircraft’s certification and validation process.

Statements

  • “The outcome will be a full-scale aircraft that will undergo extensive aerodynamic testing,” noted Bye Aerospace officials.

Source: Bye Aerospace

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Training Aircraft Manufacturer Elixir Aircraft Receives Civil Aviation Authority of the United Kingdom Certification

Elixir Aircraft, a French manufacturer of training aircraft, has just been certified by the CAA (UK Civil Aviation Authority). Already certified by the EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) in the CS-23 category (aircraft from 2 to 19 seats), the Elixir can now be operated under UK registration.

The CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) granted its certification to Elixir Aircraft. This new approval authorises Elixir Aircraft to deliver aircraft that are immediately operable in flight schools in the United Kingdom.

Some thirty Elixir aircraft are already in operation at French flight schools, including Airbus Flight Academy, others have been ordered by European pilot schools (Portugal, Spain, Greece, etc.).

British school Leading Edge Aviation is the latest customer to place an order at the beginning of October 2024 for its Spanish base. Other UK operators will be delivered very shortly.

Following this second certification, Elixir Aircraft is pursuing certification procedures all over the world, with priority given to FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) approval, eagerly awaited by American customers who account for nearly 300 lines in the order book.

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 150 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 (estimates of savings of $50/h fuel and maintenance). At the end of 2021, Elixir Aircraft opened a new production site in Périgny, Charente Maritime, to bring production of all carbon parts in-house.

There are 27 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. Elixir Aircraft is preparing to open a new 15,000 m2 facility in La Rochelle and another in Sarasota, Florida.

Source: Elixir Aircraft

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Australian Company Pre-Orders 5 E-Flyers for Pilot Training

Australia – FlyOnE Sustainable Aviation has secured a pre-order of five Bye Aerospace E-Flyer aircraft, placing them early in the production queue which has grown to over 700 global pre-orders. The E-Flyer, designed for private use, pilot training, and single-passenger air taxi services, is expected to receive FAA Part 23 certification and enter service within the next 24 to 30 months.

  • The E-Flyer is a clean-sheet, purpose-built electric aircraft, offering superior performance, range, and pricing
  • E-Flyer will offer flight schools over 2 hours plus “mission time” of flight training
  • Operating costs are projected to be less than half that of legacy fleet aircraft in the same class, significantly reducing training expenses for flight schools and private operators.
  • FlyOnE plans to incorporate the E-Flyer into its pilot training fleet to enhance sustainability and transform pilot training economics.
  • The aircraft will also be deployed for stage 2 electric passenger transport testing, in collaboration with air-charter partner Rottnest Air Taxi – Wadjemup Air Services, to support Australia’s first commercial electric air taxi operations between Perth and Rottnest Island.

About FlyOnE Sustainable Aviation
FlyOnE Sustainable Aviation is an Australian company focused on accelerating electric aviation adoption through innovative solutions for pilot training and air transport. It aims to build a sustainable fleet that supports both commercial and general aviation operations.

Source: FlyOnE Sustainable Aviation
Photo Credit: FlyOnE Sustainable Aviation

AFM team notes

  • How does this industry development relate to a flight school?
    Australian flight school operators should monitor this development over the next five years to study when to potentially integrate electric training aircraft in their fleet.

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