If you’ve been keeping up with the latest in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), you’re likely familiar with Electra, an American eSTOL (electric short takeoff and landing) manufacturer, and Skyportz, an Australian infrastructure expert. However, there’s a new player on the scene: Wilbur Air. This company is forging a pioneering partnership between Electra and Skyportz, linking their expertise in the AAM sector.
Australia, aiming to become a leading AAM hub globally, recognizes the pivotal role of infrastructure in this endeavor. Clem Newton-Brown, CEO of Skyportz, emphasizes the need for specialized infrastructure like vertiports and short takeoff and landing runways to unlock the full potential of electric air taxi services.
The Electra aircraft stands out for its suitability for air taxi operations, particularly due to its ability to take off and land within short distances. This feature makes it adaptable to various infrastructure types, including areas with limited space or underutilized regional airports.
Unlike solely electric VTOLs, Electra employs distributed electric propulsion alongside a turbine-powered generator, enabling in-flight battery recharging and a range of up to 500 miles (804 km).
Wilbur Air, a subsidiary of Skyportz, will be the first to operate Electra’s hybrid-electric STOL aircraft in Australia. This partnership signifies a significant milestone from their initial discussions in 2021 to the commercial commitment of operating 100 Electra aircraft. Skyportz envisions expanding its fleet beyond passenger transport to include various aircraft types, further advancing the AAM.
Across the globe, aviation operators are increasingly interested in zero-emission air taxis, with Electra boasting over 1,600 pre-orders from 35 operators, indicating a growing demand for sustainable air mobility solutions.
