FlyOnE commits to Electron5 for regional network in Australia
By Geoffrey Thomas Tue Jan 18, 2022
FlyOnE has signed a deal with Dutch manufacturer Electron Aerospace for the delivery of 28, five-seater Electron 5 all-electric planes.
The aircraft will operate on a network that will connect 25 regional airports in Western Australia and create 30-plus point-to-point connections.
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The Electron 5 was selected as the most suitable aircraft to operate FlyOnE’s proposed zero-emissions regional aviation network, under the Lilypad Elevate banner.
To launch the project FlyOnE plans to install, together with third parties, solar-powered charging infrastructure for the aircraft.
Proposed sites include Perth, Rottnest Island, Murray Field Airport, Mundaring Airport, White Gum Air Park, and Northam Airport.
The Electron 5 has a range of 750km on a single charge at a top speed of 300km/h.
With its short take-off and landing capabilities, the Electron 5 makes smaller and often underused airfields more accessible.
FlyOnE chief executive Korum Ellis (below) said the Electron 5 best meets the company’s mission profile in terms of range as well as available seats.
“Knowing that the Electron 5 achieves the required performance with today’s battery technology gives us the confidence that the aircraft will be delivered on time,” Mr. Ellis said.
Marc-Henry de Jong, chief operating officer at Electron, said both companies shared the vision of making zero-emission, on-demand, regional air mobility a reality.
“We believe that this is just the start of a long and prosperous partnership. Over the coming weeks and months, we will explore other potential areas of co-operation, including aircraft distribution, servicing, and potentially manufacturing,” Mr de Jong said.
Under the memorandum of understanding, FlyOnE has secured priority production slots in 2026 and 2027. The order for 28 aircraft includes two trainer versions as well as 26 passenger versions.
Proposed sites include Perth, Rottnest Island, Murray Field Airport, Mundaring Airport, White Gum Air Park, and Northam Airport.
The Electron 5 has a range of 750km on a single charge at a top speed of 300km/h.
With its short take-off and landing capabilities, the Electron 5 makes smaller and often underused airfields more accessible.
“Knowing that the Electron 5 achieves the required performance with today’s battery technology gives us the confidence that the aircraft will be delivered on time,” Mr. Ellis said.
Marc-Henry de Jong, chief operating officer at Electron, said both companies shared the vision of making zero-emission, on-demand, regional air mobility a reality.
“We believe that this is just the start of a long and prosperous partnership. Over the coming weeks and months, we will explore other potential areas of co-operation, including aircraft distribution, servicing, and potentially manufacturing,” Mr de Jong said.
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