In this week’s AFM Pilot Training Leadership Interview Series we speak with Rolf Stuber – the CEO and Head of Design at Smartflyer – a Swiss aircraft manufacturer that introduces an innovative aircraft for flight training with an easy and fast swap between a hybrid and fully electric versions.

The conversation covers:

• Innovative Hybrid-Electric Aircraft Design: Smartflyer, founded in 2016, is a Swiss aerospace company developing the SF1 — a hybrid-electric aircraft with a unique configuration. Its electric propulsion unit is mounted on the vertical tail, allowing the nose section to be modular and swappable between a battery pack and a range extender (a combustion engine driving a generator). This design enables flexibility, low emissions, quiet operations, especially during takeoff and landing near airports, and extended range up to 800 km.
• Progress and Industry Recognition: The SFX1 prototype was successfully rolled out in November 2024 and showcased in April 2025 at Aero Friedrichshafen, gaining strong interest from the aviation community. Smartflyer received positive feedback for its environmentally sustainable concept and is currently seeking industrial partners and investors to support the next phase: certification and production.
• Strategic Partnerships: Smartflyer has signed a Letter of Intent with FlyOnE, an Australian company operating electric aircraft, for the future purchase of 30 aircraft. This partnership demonstrates early market validation and aligns with Smartflyer’s vision to support regional and training aviation with sustainable solutions.
• Revolutionizing Pilot Training: The SF1 is tailored for modern pilot training needs, featuring a cockpit and avionics layout that mirrors airline environments. Its modular energy system allows flight schools to adapt operations cost-effectively, offering both battery-electric and hybrid training options. Maintenance is streamlined, and the aircraft design supports efficient learning of both flying skills and airline-standard cockpit procedures.
• Outlook and Industry Insights: Rolf Stuber emphasizes the growing demand for pilots — projected at 600,000 over 20 years — and the need for modern, cost-effective training aircraft. Looking ahead, Smartflyer aims to certify the SF1 within the next five years. The ultimate goal is to bring Smartflyer aircraft into regular use, helping to modernize the training fleet and make sustainable aviation a practical reality. 

For more information:

• Rolf Stuber Linkedin
• Smartflyer Website

You can find all of the AFM.aero Pilot Training Industry Interview Episodes here.

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