UK-based regional aircraft lessor Monte has signed a letter of intent (LOI) with Eviation Aircraft for up to 30 all-electric commuter Alice aircraft. Monte will provide financing and leasing solutions for the Alice and its associated charging infrastructure to its global customer base of regional aircraft operators.

The Eviation Alice is a nine passenger electric aircraft, the only flight-proven all-electric commuter aircraft of its size. Built from a clean-sheet design around magniX's electric propulsion system, the Alice produces zero carbon emissions and costs a fraction to operate per flight hour compared to light jets or high-end turboprops, thereby providing the opportunity to activate more routes, improving the convenience of air travel.

"The need to accelerate technological solutions to climate change, such as Eviation's Alice, is becoming ever more urgent," says Eviation sales director, EMEA Loic Questiaux. "Just one month ago, the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warned that the planet is likely to pass the threshold of 1.5C warming over pre-industrial temperatures by the early 2030s, a tipping point for the planet's climate. By supporting groundbreaking innovations such as the Alice, Monte is helping to advance much-needed innovation in confronting one of the greatest challenges facing mankind."

"We are delighted to enter into this agreement with Eviation," adds Monte director Rishi Majithia. "The Alice is a unique, well-designed and pioneering aircraft that we are excited to offer to our global customers in the regional aviation industry."

"Passing the $4 billion threshold is a significant marketplace endorsement for the Alice. We are thrilled to welcome Monte as our latest customer, as it shares our vision for a new era of sustainable, responsible aviation," says Eviation president and CEO Gregory Davis. "The leasing community has an important role to play in reducing the aviation industry's carbon emissions. With a network spreading from the Americas to Asia Pacific and throughout Europe, I am excited for how Monte can utilise the Alice to bring sustainable aviation to the world."