FutureFlight

MagniX, a developer of electric and hybrid-electric propulsion systems for zero-emission aviation, plans to add hydrogen fuel cells to its product portfolio. The hydrogen fuel cells will complement MagniX's electric and hybrid propulsion systems.

Since acquiring European aircraft manufacturer Pipistrel, Textron's new eAviation division has been stepping up its plans to build a portfolio of new electric and autonomous aircraft. The company now says the Nexus eVTOL being developed by its Bell division has been redesigned and is a priority program.

In partnership with Seattle-based Aerotec, Universal Hydrogen readies for first flight of a Dash 8-300 fitted with a hydrogen-fuel-cell-based powertrain.

New German regional airline Evia Aero has committed to ordering 25 all-electric Alice commuter airplanes from electric aircraft developer Eviation. A prototype of the nine-passenger model made its first test flight on September 27.

AFI KLM E&M and Ampaire anticipate the development of training for a worldwide network of ground engineers, potential component pooling, and operational data analysis to support the introduction of a hybrid-electric 19-passenger regional aircraft. The partnership could also support plans to develop all-electric aircraft.

Electra says it now has sales commitments for 1,000 of its eSTOL aircraft, with charter operator Welojets signing a letter of intent for 32 units during the NBAA-BACE business aviation trade show. The nine-passenger hybrid-electric aircraft is expected to be able to operate from runways as short as 300 feet and with a range of up to around 400 nm.

Hyundai Motor Group's advanced air mobility division Supernal this week appointed two key suppliers for its eVTOL aircraft program. Honeywell Aerospace will supply its new Anthem integrated flight deck for the five-seat vehicle and BAE Systems is developing a fly-by-wire flight control system.

JetBlue Airways’ investments in early-stage companies through its JetBlue Ventures division reflect a willingness to commit financial resources to a wide range of eco-conscious enterprises. Although it doesn't limit its investments to technology companies, JetBlue Ventures professes a commitment to sustainability remains as a core value, evidenced by its stakes in companies such as eVTOL developer Joby, Universal Hydrogen, and, most recently, battery pack developer Electric Power Systems.

Hyundai's advanced air mobility division Supernal says Honeywell's new Anthem integrated flight deck will support it's eVTOL aircraft's need for high levels of connectivity as well as the transition to simplified vehicle operations. Rival eVTOL developers Lilium and Vertical Aerospace are also using the technology.

California-based Sabrewing is now building its first full-scale prototype of the uncrewed, hybrid-electric Rhaegal B cargo aircraft with the aim of making the first deliveries in December 2023. With the promise of low operating costs, prospective customers, including a company that flies for the United Nations World Health/World Food program, have signed up for 128 aircraft.