Advanced Air Mobility News

MONTE Orders up to 50 Hybrid-electric Aircraft from Ampaire

MONTE Orders up to 50 Hybrid-electric Aircraft from Ampaire

Sustainable aviation technology financing company Monte Aircraft Leasing has ordered up to 50 hybrid-electric Eco Caravans from Ampaire to offer operators aircraft solutions that reduce carbon emissions.

The deal included a firm order of 25 Eco Caravans and an option for an additional 25.

The nine-passenger Eco Caravan is a hybrid-electric upgrade of the Cessna 208B Grand Caravan that can reduce fuel and emissions by up to 70 percent. The aircraft can achieve carbon neutral operations when flown using sustainable aviation fuel, according to Ampaire.

“Ampaire has emerged as the leading hybrid-electric technology provider. Its Eco Caravan will be very attractive for a segment of our operators, thanks to its wide performance envelope and ability to operate without ground charging infrastructure where necessary,” according to Timothy Eyre, Investment Director, MONTE.

“The Eco Caravan is our starting point for a revolution in air travel,” said Kevin Noertker, Chief Executive Officer, Ampaire. “It brings cost per available seat mile down to the range of driving, benefiting operators and their passengers. It dramatically shrinks the aircraft’s carbon footprint.”

The order comes when the Los Angeles-based aircraft maker is scaling up to develop larger regional aircraft and even single-aisle jets with its scalable propulsion technology.

Eco Caravan, the first hybrid-electric aircraft to enter the certification process with the Federal Aviation Administration, is undergoing ground power tests and will fly later this year. A supplemental type certification for the upgraded aircraft is expected in 2024.

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