Fiji Airways is planning to operate Odys Aviation’s Laila hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft for cargo operations that could start in 2025. On September 19, the companies signed an expression of interest agreement that Odys said would lead to a joint test program involving emergency medical support flights to connect hard-to-access locations across 300 South Pacific islands.
According to California-based Odys, the uncrewed Laila aircraft is expected to have a range of around 391 nm, with a cruise speed of 125 mph and a service ceiling of 18,000 feet. The company is also working on plans for a nine-passenger piloted regional airliner called the Alta. Both designs feature a blown-wing architecture, with Alta having a range of between 174 nm and 652 nm, depending on whether it is used in all-electric mode or with its turbogenerator engaged.
Initial network studies by Odys suggest that Fiji Airways may need up to 25 of the Laila aircraft for its planned operations. The airline is planning to use the vehicle for contracts to provide lift for government agencies, logistics groups, and non-governmental organizations.
“There’s no doubt that the era of sustainable aviation is upon us and through our partnership with Odys Aviation, Fiji Airways is strengthening its focus on reducing aviation emissions and defining a roadmap to serve the next generation of travelers,” said the airline’s CEO, Andre Viljoen. “This partnership will do more than just expand Fiji Airways’ commercial operations today; it will drive our investment in the future of travel and lifestyle for the people of Fiji as well.”
Odys has also engaged with prospective Laila operators including the U.S. military, as well as for applications including e-commerce deliveries, offshore support, and humanitarian missions. The aircraft is expected to have what the military defines as a Group 3 expeditionary footprint, meaning it can be shipped anywhere in the world and be ready to fly in less than 20 minutes.
The company has reported that it now holds provisional commitments for more than 1,200 of the Laila and Alta models, which it said have a combined potential value of $10 billion.