UK airline start-up Ecojet plans to include Arc Aerosystems’ Linx P9 hybrid-electric compound helicopter in its fleet. Under a letter of intent announced during last week’s Farnborough Airshow, the new carrier provisionally committed to buying 20 of the nine-passenger rotorcraft, as well as signing for 30 more under options.
Ecojet was launched in November 2023 and has said that it aims to launch using as-yet-unspecified aircraft that would use jet-A fuel. Arc has not said when it will be able to start deliveries of the Linx P9.
Last year, the new carrier signed an agreement with leasing group Monte for 70 of ZeroAvia’s 600-kilowatt ZA600 hydrogen-electric propulsion systems but did not say which 19-seat regional aircraft it intends to convert. According to ZeroAvia, Ecojet has also placed an order for the more powerful ZA2000 powertrain, which is intended for aircraft carrying up to 80 passengers.
Ecojet was founded by renewable energy entrepreneur and climate change activist Dale Vince. He previously indicated that early services might include the Scottish capital Edinburgh, with the eventual intention of operating with zero carbon emissions.
Arc, based within the aerospace research and development hub on the campus of the UK’s Cranfield University, is also working on a modern version of the 1960s-era Avian Pegasus gyroplane. Additionally, the company’s plans envisage a three-seat all-electric rotorcraft called the Linx P3 and an uncrewed cargo eVTOL vehicle called the C-600, which has already flown in flight trials.