Los Angeles-headquartered Quantum Air has chosen Sweden's OSM Aviation Academy as its preferred pilot training partner and will establish a Quantum-branded pilot training programme with the company. In turn, OSM commits to referring a steady supply of pilots trained to FAA commercial standards. Quantum Air will provide tuition reimbursement for select OSM cadets.

Both companies have placed large orders for the eFlyer all-electric aircraft from Bye Aerospace in Denver, Colorado. In total 160 zero-emission, low noise pollution and enhanced altitude performance aircraft will be delivered, starting at the end of 2021.

Student cadets in the training programme will use OSM eFlyer aircraft. “Quantum's partnership with OSM means that Quantum pilots will fly commercially in essentially the same aircraft in which they trained,” says Quantum founder and CEO Tony Thompson. “Quantum commercial pilots will be intimately familiar with their aircraft, setting a new standard for safety.” VP and chief Scott Akina adds: “I expect to receive pilots from OSM who will already know Quantum's aircraft systems inside and out. And this will be no small part of the reason why Quantum will run the safest operation in the airline industry.”

“Air travel is instrumental in bringing people together both regionally and internationally,” says OSM CEO Espen Høiby. “Since humans will always have the urge to explore this world, we need to find sustainable solutions to meet that need. Therefore, OSM Aviation is excited to join forces with Quantum Air to shape a greener and safer aviation industry in the years to come.”

“Electric aviation, including our eFlyer family of electric aircraft, is the springboard for a movement that we believe will breathe new life into the aviation industry,” concludes Bye Aerospace CEO George Bye. “That includes implementing creative ways to improve effective, economic access to pilot training. The OSM-Quantum model, which focuses foremost on new professional pilot training safety, aligns perfectly with Bye Aerospace's principles.”