US-based clean aviation technology company Electra Aero has partnered with German regional air mobility company flyv to leverage the economic advantages of Electra's sustainable flight technology for travellers on routes in Europe's underserved regional travel markets.

Electra's ultra-STOL fixed wing aircraft uses a combination of proven blown lift technology, hybrid electric power and distributed propulsion to operate on runways as small as 100 x 300 ft. Batteries are recharged mid-flight, eliminating the need for ground charging infrastructure and enabling quick flight turnaround in diverse environments.

The flyv service will initially operate between airports and eventually provide point-to-point intercity travel, taking full advantage of the eSTOL aircraft's ability to take off and land in places previously inaccessible by flight.

In lieu of a traditional hub and spoke network, the flyv scheduling platform optimises daily flight schedules based on paid bookings and operational constraints. The company gives customers a guaranteed fixed travel timeframe to their destination at the point of booking, and exact itinerary details prior to departure.

"There is a gap in transportation services today between where ground transport is effective and where large transport aircraft are providing efficient service," says Electra founder and CEO John S Langford. "We designed Electra's eSTOL aircraft to fill that gap, providing a more sustainable transport option than cars or traditional aircraft for short and medium distance routes up to about 500 miles. We are delighted to be partnering with flyv to pair our aircraft technology with its innovative business model and flight scheduling technology to bring this transportation solution to customers."

flyv CEO Anton Lutz continues: "Traditional airlines are focused on capacity, not on demand. We're building a new means of transport that is demand driven and customer centric. We aim to connect unserved communities to as many other decentralised locations as possible by delivering the fastest means of transport from one point to another at market value-based prices. The economics were a challenge with conventional aircraft. The cost-effectiveness of Electra's high-performance eSTOL aircraft is the puzzle piece that makes the flyv model work. Our partnership with Electra enables a micro-mobility solution that connects the unconnected into the global aviation network in a sustainable way, creating economic opportunities for both communities and customers."

Under a memorandum of understanding, Electra will be flyv's OEM partner for regional air mobility services and flyv will be Electra's air mobility services partner in Europe, with a commitment to purchase up to 100 aircraft. The agreement raises Electra's total purchase commitments to 280 aircraft. The two companies will jointly explore urban and regional networks to be served by flyv and will collaborate on elements of eSTOL performance, economics and passenger experience as well as joint marketing initiatives.