Electric aircraft manufacturer Eviation is set to supply MONTE with up to 30 Alice commuter planes, the company has announced.

More purchases for Eviation

On Thursday, Eviation confirmed that the UK-based sustainable aircraft lessor had signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to purchase up to 30 of its all-electric aircraft, Alice.

The deal will see MONTE support infrastructure development for electric commuter vehicles through leasing and financing Alice out to its regional customers based internationally. Alongside Eviation, the sustainable aircraft lessor also partners with LA-based Ampaire, Cranfield Aerospace Solutions, Dovetail Electric Aviation, and ZeroAvia, creating a comprehensive portfolio for airlines or companies looking to invest in zero-emission aviation.

In a statement, Eviation highlighted the importance of technological solutions to reduce emissions and combat climate change. Eviation EMEA sales director Loic Questiaux celebrated the deal, praising MONTE's work and investment.

Rishi Majitha, director of MONTE, expressed a similar sentiment, adding,

"We are delighted to enter into this agreement with Eviation. The Alice is a unique, well-designed and pioneering aircraft that we are excited to offer to our global customers in the regional aviation industry."

Eviation Alice All-Electric Aircraft
Photo: Eviation

The announcement of an LOI with MONTE brings the value of Evation's backlog to over $4 billion, with more than 300 aircraft on order from a wide array of customers. After several years of development, the aircraft took its first flight in September 2022. Despite some pre-take-off setbacks, the launch was a success for the battery-powered aircraft, which was kept airborne for nine minutes in the skies over Washington state.

Growing demand

Eviation's small but sustainable aircraft has become a popular choice with airlines looking to step towards green aircraft, including Air New Zealand, Cape Air, Australia's Northern Territory Air Service, and DHL.

While seating just nine passengers, the all-electric aircraft is the largest to take to the skies successfully. The clean sheet design, developed around magniX's electric propulsion system, produces zero carbon emissions and drastically slashes operation costs, which is ideal for business or regional short-haul travel. Alice is currently spec'd for a range of 250 NM with a max payload of 2,500 lbs, roughly one hour of flight time. Max operating speed is relatively in line with the cruising speed of conventionally powered turboprops, at 260 KTAS.

eviation's Alice is an all electric plane
Photo: Eviation

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"Passing the US$ 4 billion threshold is a significant marketplace endorsement for the Alice. We are thrilled to welcome MONTE as our latest customer, as they share our vision for a new era of sustainable, responsible aviation," Gregory Davis, President and CEO of Eviation, explained.

"The leasing community has an important role to play in reducing the aviation industry's carbon emissions. With a network spreading from the Americas to Asia-Pacific and throughout Europe, I am excited for how MONTE can utilize the Alice to bring sustainable aviation to the world."

Eviation is eyeing certification testing from 2025, with the goal of entry into service by 2025, according to Airways Magazine.

What are your thoughts on Eviation and MONTE's new deal? What airlines would you like to see operating all-electric regional aircraft? Let us know in the comments.

Source: Airways Magazine