European Reseller Commits to Orders For Five eFlyer 800 Electric Aircraft

Germany's Rheinland Air Service (RAS) is buying five all-electric Bye Aerospace eFlyer 800 aircraft and will act as a reseller for the new model in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Under a deposit-backed purchase agreement announced with Colorado-based Bye on July 19, the European aviation services group also will provide maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for the eFlyers. 

“We are proud to be investing in the future of sustainable aviation and to be supporting Bye Aerospace in the transformation of flying,” said RAS chief executive Johannes Schaesberg. “The eFlyer800 with its remarkable economy and flight performance will support the European Market while balancing the amount of carbon emissions.”  

Bye Aerospace announced the eight-seat eFlyer 800 program earlier this year in response to what it says is growing demand to operate regional services in all-electric airplanes with reduced operating costs and increased capacity and utility. The eFlyer 800 will be able to fly up to around 575 miles. The company has already started the process of obtaining FAA Part 23 certification for the smaller eFlyer 2 for the professional flight training mission and the four-seat eFlyer 4 for air taxi, cargo, and advanced training uses.  

The manufacturer claims benefits including five-fold lower operating costs than with conventionally-powered aircraft of the same size, no carbon dioxide emissions, and decreased noise. Bye Aerospace estimates the eFlyer will eventually eliminate the release of millions of metric tons of CO₂ each year as its deliveries begin and general aviation operators replace their fleets.

Company CEO George Bye called RAS an important partner for several reasons, including its physical location in western Germany. “We have known Johannes and his company for 20 years, and recognize the significant role RAS has, supporting business aviation for this important part of Europe,” Bye said.