EVIO inc, backed by Boeing, is on the road to electric success via the public reveal of it’s 810 hybrid-electric regional aircraft, and has a lot of orders confirmed already for it, highlighting good news and strong demand.
The Montreal-based start-up revealed on December 11 it’s plans, followed by some significant backing for the program already.
It is quite an exciting development within the sustainability space, and could become a major disrupter for the regional aircraft manufacturing market as well.
With the company also being backed by one member of the manufacturing duopoly, being Boeing, EVIO inc does look destined for some success.
EVIO 810 Unveiled, 450 Pre-Orders Secured Already…
The EVIO 810 was revealed today (December 11), and there is some big information on the aircraft already.
The Boeing-backed company is targeting the 50-100 seat market, with the aircraft sitting a total of 76 seats, just about the perfect spot in that market.
Furthermore, there is currently demand for more than 7,500 aircraft in this market over the next two decades, with 5,000 also to be replaced in the next 20 years as well.
The 450 orders also unveiled with the launch comes from two orders made back in 2023 from two major airlines, although it hasn’t been disclosed who that is as of yet.
Commenting on the public launch of the program was Michael Darman, CEO of EVIO:
“From day one, our focus has been on increasing profitability for regional operators and providing an exceptional passenger experience”.
“We’ve recognized early on that a strong-hybrid architecture can provide unmatched efficiencies for airlines, helping them sustain vibrant regional networks in a cost-effective, responsible way.”
Adding to this was Boeing Canada President Al Meinzinger, who said the following on the project the company is backing:
“EVIO’s new hybrid-electric aircraft development and partnership with Canadian industry is an example of the promising innovation in the country’s aerospace sector,”
“We look forward to continuing our collaboration with EVIO as they advance this technology to deliver more energy-efficient regional air travel.”
Finally, Scott McElvaine, the VP of Sales & Marketing at Pratt & Whitney Canada, who will be powering the aircraft, celebrated the relationship:
“This collaboration is an exciting opportunity to advance the potential of novel hybrid-electric aircraft architectures,”
“We will leverage the proven performance and unmatched reliability of the PT6E engine, as well as our decades of experience in propulsion technology innovation and systems integration, to unlock new possibilities for aircraft fuel efficiency and mission versatility.”
A Serious Contender to Disrupt the Market? A Happy Boeing?
It is clear that there is demand for the Boeing-backed EVIO 810 program.
But, will it be a serious contender in the regional aircraft market?
It definitely has a strong chance of doing so, particularly because a company like Boeing is backing the program.
Such a market is one that the American planemaker hasn’t really been in for quite some time, and given the strong demand for aircraft like this, it is a no-brainer to back a company rather than invest it themselves individually.
Within the structure of the company as well, they have some heavy hitters in there, that will provide that competitive edge.
For example, Rob Dewar, who was the former Senior VP at Airbus, has the experience in the less-seated market, particularly with him being responsible for the launch and development of the A220 aircraft.
Also on the team is Frank Carpuccio, who led Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works, and has the military knowledge and networks to market this aircraft well in the defense space, which EVIO is aiming to do with the 810.
With the foundations set, and with pre-orders already in the bag, this will provide confidence to Boeing that this has been money well-spent in terms of investment.
It is clear also that this program has the ability to become a disruptor in the market, and could put the likes of ATR and other regional aircraft manufacturers under a bit of pressure.
On top of this, EVIO will beat other electric competitors as well in terms of seating capacity.
For example, Beyond Aero’s BYA-1 can only carry six passengers, Electra’s EL-9 can only handle nine passengers, and the closest competitor Heart Aerospace, can only handle 30 passengers.
So, it is pretty clear at the moment that EVIO has a strong chance of securing significant market share, and could take on the likes of ATR against the 72-600.
Will This Be An Electric Success?
Overall, it is clear that the strategy of launch by Boeing-backed EVIO with the 810 hybrid-electric aircraft has been well-managed.
With triple digits in order, and a wide portfolio within the offering for commercial and defence, it will be interesting to see whether there is further business advantage to having this aircraft.
It is clear that there will be demand for this, particularly in the developing era of sustainability, where airlines will be wanting to provide cleaner alternatives on shorter-haul regional flights.
Furthermore, if the Montreal-start-up gets this right and continues the momentum into 2030 when the program is expected in service, then they could become the largest hybrid-electric manufacturer in the sector to date.
With pre-orders secured for 450 aircraft (250 firm, 200 options), there is a lot of financial advantage already secured for the company, particularly when the aircraft enters commercial production following testing.
And the 2030 timing will be solid timing, particularly as further hybrid-electric and hydrogen-powered aircraft will begin to be gradually introduced.
For other competitors, all eyes will be on whether any alternatives or competition will be established to take on EVIO in this space, but right now, that has yet to be properly determined.
One thing is for sure: This market is going to get electric, and EVIO so far are at the forefront of the success so far.
It is most definitely an exciting new era that is developing within the world of aviation. More to follow in this space.
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