US developer Electra.aero has partnered with Singapore-based private aviation charter platform Yugo to expand air mobility services to urban and underserved destinations in the Asia Pacific region.

"Advanced air mobility holds an exciting promise to meet the transportation challenges of the Asia-Pacific region, with its densely populated cities and dispersed island communities amid the fastest-growing economy in the world," says founder and CEO John S Langford. "Our airplane's ability to take off and land in small spaces means we can fly more people faster, quieter and more affordably to more diverse destinations while achieving lower emissions and reduced operating costs. Electra is delighted to partner with Yugo to bring the benefits of our eSTOL technology to this dynamic market."

Currently Yugo provides access to a network of aircraft from Cessna Citations to longer range Gulfstream G650ERs. Under the terms of a memorandum of understanding (MoU), Yugo intends to acquire up to 12 Electra eSTOL aircraft for use in its current and future envisioned air mobility networks for passengers and potentially cargo. The companies will also collaborate on eSTOL performance, economics and passenger experience elements necessary to achieve Yugo's projected operations.

"We are thrilled to work with Electra to deliver cleaner and cost-effective aviation in Asia Pacific. Yugo is committed to providing convenient, safe and efficient urban and regional air mobility services to our members and customers," adds CEO Jim Baldy. "With Electra's versatile and sustainable eSTOL aircraft, we will be able to provide our business and tourism customers unparalleled flight solutions and expand our service to previously underserved or inaccessible locations, while also protecting fragile environments."

Electra's hybrid-electric eSTOL aircraft will have the ability to take off and land in spaces as small as 300x100 ft and supports in-flight battery recharging. It will be able to operate from places previously inaccessible by flight, including parking lots and remote landing strips. The piloted fixed wing aircraft will initially carry up to nine passengers, or 1,800 lbs of cargo, up to 500 miles in all weather conditions, with less fuel burn and emissions per passenger than a personal car. With the Yugo MOU, Electra now has commitments covering nearly 300 aircraft orders from partners in North America, Latin America, Europe, Australia and Asia.