Elysian KLM Transavia Partner on Electric Aircraft Development

Accelerating Battery-Electric Aviation: A Strategic Collaboration Between Elysian, KLM, and Transavia

As the aviation sector faces increasing pressure to reduce its environmental footprint, a new alliance between Elysian Aircraft, KLM, and Transavia is emerging as a beacon of innovation. Announced on June 11, 2025, this partnership aims to accelerate the development of battery-electric aviation through a series of collaborative workshops and knowledge-sharing initiatives. The centerpiece of this effort is Elysian’s E9X—a battery-electric aircraft designed to carry 90 passengers over a range of 800 kilometers.

This initiative is not just about building a new aircraft; it’s about reimagining the entire aviation ecosystem. From technical design to operational feasibility and passenger experience, the collaboration seeks to address the multifaceted challenges of bringing electric aviation to market. The move reflects a growing consensus in the industry: sustainability requires more than incremental changes—it demands radical cooperation and systemic transformation.

By uniting aircraft designers, airline operators, maintenance experts, and network planners, the partnership aims to develop a holistic framework for emission-free aviation. This article explores the key components of this initiative, the challenges and opportunities it presents, and its potential to redefine short-haul air travel.

Understanding the E9X: A New Chapter in Electric Aviation

The Vision Behind the E9X

The Elysian E9X represents a significant leap in electric aviation. Engineered to accommodate 90 passengers and travel distances up to 800 kilometers, it targets short-haul routes such as Amsterdam to London—routes that are currently dominated by traditional jet aircraft or even high-speed rail. According to Elysian, this range and capacity make the E9X uniquely positioned to fill a niche that is both economically viable and environmentally essential.

Daniel Rosen Jacobson, Co-CEO of Elysian, emphasizes that the success of such an aircraft hinges not only on engineering but also on collaboration with airlines and airports. “It’s impossible to build an aircraft that truly breaks from industry conventions without intensive collaboration,” he states. This underscores the importance of aligning technological innovation with operational realities and market demands.

One of the most compelling aspects of the E9X is its potential to outperform even rail travel on certain routes in terms of sustainability and cost-efficiency. This claim challenges long-standing assumptions about the environmental superiority of trains and opens the door for wider adoption of electric aviation in regional travel.

“It’s eye-opening that we can often operate more sustainably and cost-effectively than trains, and that busy routes like Amsterdam–London prove entirely feasible with electric flight.” — Daniel Rosen Jacobson, Co-CEO of Elysian

Operational and Economic Viability

For electric aviation to become mainstream, aircraft like the E9X must meet rigorous commercial and operational criteria. This includes efficient energy usage, quick turnaround times, and compatibility with existing airport infrastructure. The workshops initiated by Elysian, KLM, and Transavia are designed to address these issues head-on, bringing together specialists in maintenance, revenue management, and flight operations.

One notable insight from these sessions was the realization that electric aircraft could open up routes currently underserved due to low passenger demand. Traditional jets are often too large or too costly to operate on these routes, but the E9X could offer a more flexible and scalable alternative. This could significantly increase connectivity between regional airports and stimulate local economies.

However, not all ideas proved feasible. For instance, the concept of having aviation personnel perform battery swaps was quickly dismissed as impractical. Still, such discussions are invaluable, as they help refine the operational blueprint for electric aviation.

Industry Collaboration: Leveraging Strengths for Innovation

Transavia’s Role: Grounded in Realism

Transavia brings a pragmatic approach to the table, grounded in day-to-day airline operations. Their involvement in the initiative complements ongoing efforts in fleet renewal and the use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). Oliver Newton, Lead Sustainability & Innovation at Transavia, highlights the importance of balancing innovation with feasibility. “Connecting technical innovations with customer experience, network, and costs presents a challenge—but we’re fully committed to this effort,” he says.

Transavia’s experience in maintenance and customer service provides critical insights into what will and won’t work in real-world scenarios. For example, while some operational proposals were deemed unworkable, others revealed new business opportunities, such as launching flights to destinations currently deemed unprofitable with conventional aircraft.

This blend of realism and innovation ensures that the project remains grounded while still pushing the envelope. It also highlights the importance of iterative development, where each insight helps refine the aircraft’s design and operational model.

KLM’s Strategic Vision

KLM’s involvement extends beyond technical consultation. The airline sees this collaboration as part of a broader strategy to explore zero-emission aviation, including electric, hydrogen, and hybrid technologies. Jolanda Stevens, Zero Emission Aviation Program Manager at KLM and a member of Elysian’s advisory board, notes that pilot feedback is crucial to the aircraft’s development.

“Pilots understand better than anyone what works and doesn’t work in an aircraft,” Stevens explains. For example, managing two different energy sources onboard requires a new approach to energy management—something that must be considered in the design phase. This level of detail illustrates how operational insights can influence even the most technical aspects of aircraft development.

KLM’s participation also signals a shift in how legacy carriers approach sustainability. Rather than waiting for mature solutions, they are actively shaping the future of aviation through early-stage collaborations. This proactive stance could set a precedent for other airlines facing similar environmental and regulatory pressures.

“Having two different energy sources onboard requires an entirely new approach to energy management for the crew. This must be incorporated into the design.” — Jolanda Stevens, KLM

Conclusion: Toward a Sustainable Aviation Ecosystem

The collaboration between Elysian, KLM, and Transavia represents more than a technological milestone—it’s a blueprint for systemic change in aviation. By combining technical innovation with operational realism and strategic foresight, the partnership is setting the stage for a new era in short-haul air travel. The E9X is not just an aircraft; it’s a catalyst for rethinking how we fly, where we fly, and why we fly.

Looking ahead, the focus will shift to concrete use cases, route analyses, and passenger experience design. The ultimate goal is to create not just a sustainable aircraft, but a sustainable aviation ecosystem. As Daniel Rosen Jacobson puts it, “We’re not just aiming for emission-free flying—we want to shape the passenger experience of the 21st century.”

FAQ

What is the Elysian E9X?
The E9X is a battery-electric aircraft under development by Elysian, designed to carry 90 passengers over distances of up to 800 kilometers.

Why are KLM and Transavia involved in this project?
Both airlines are contributing operational and commercial expertise to help ensure the aircraft meets real-world requirements and can be integrated into existing networks.

When will the E9X be available for commercial use?
While no specific launch date has been announced, the partners are currently working on route analysis and passenger propositions to prepare for future deployment.

Sources:
Elysian Aircraft – Press Release,
KLM,
Transavia