Technology & Innovation
RTX Leads EU Hybrid Electric Aviation Project for Regional Aircraft
RTX’s Pratt & Whitney Canada heads the EU PHARES project to improve regional aircraft fuel efficiency by 20% using hybrid-electric propulsion.
RTX’s Pratt & Whitney Canada Leads Revolutionary Hybrid-Electric Aviation Initiative Through EU Clean Aviation Program
The aviation industry stands at a pivotal moment in its pursuit of sustainable flight technologies, with RTX Corporation’s Pratt & Whitney Canada division achieving a historic milestone by becoming the first Canadian company selected to lead a major European Union Clean Aviation program. The PHARES (Powerplant Hybrid Application REgional Segment) project represents a groundbreaking €69 million initiative targeting up to 20% fuel efficiency improvements for regional aircraft through innovative Electric-Aviation propulsion systems. This development positions RTX at the forefront of the aviation industry’s ambitious decarbonization efforts, leveraging cutting-edge technology to address mounting environmental pressures while maintaining operational viability in an increasingly regulated global market.
As aviation faces increasing scrutiny over its environmental impact, the PHARES project is not just a technological leap but also a strategic move in a sector under pressure to meet climate targets. The collaboration between RTX, Collins Aerospace, ATR, and Airbus underscores the necessity for cross-border, cross-industry partnerships to achieve the ambitious goals set by regulatory bodies and market expectations. This initiative also highlights the growing role of hybrid-electric propulsion as a bridge between conventional aircraft and a more sustainable future, demonstrating both immediate and long-term benefits for regional aviation.
With significant funding from the European Union’s Clean Aviation program and a clear mandate to demonstrate commercial viability by 2035, PHARES is emblematic of the broader transformation underway in aerospace. The project’s success could set a precedent for international cooperation and technology transfer, shaping the future of sustainable aviation worldwide.
The Clean Aviation Program and European Sustainability Mandate
The Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking is the EU’s flagship research and innovation program for sustainable flight, established under the European Green Deal. With a total budget of €4.1 billion, €1.7 billion from the EU and at least €2.4 billion in private investments, the program aims to cut emissions from short-medium range and regional aircraft by at least 30% compared to 2020 technology. This effort is part of a broader strategy to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.
The program’s objectives, outlined in Council Regulation (EU) 2021/2085, focus on integrating disruptive aircraft technologies to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 30% by 2030, compared to the 2020 state-of-the-art. The September 2025 funding round allocated €945 million ($1.1 billion) to twelve projects, including €378 million from the EU, reflecting a strong commitment to maintaining leadership in sustainable aviation technologies.
Clean Aviation’s approach covers four aircraft concepts: ultra-efficient regional aircraft, two Hydrogen-powered variants, and ultra-efficient short/medium-range aircraft. This diversity ensures that innovation is spread across different market segments, recognizing that no single solution will address all sustainability challenges. The program’s focus on commercial readiness by 2035 distinguishes it from more theoretical research, requiring funded projects to demonstrate both technical feasibility and practical implementation.
“These projects have high potential to make major advancements towards climate neutrality and sustainability.” — Alex Krein, Executive Director, Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking
Strategic Importance and Funding Structure
The Clean Aviation program’s substantial budget is designed to leverage private sector resources, distributing financial risk and ensuring broad industry participation. The latest funding round’s focus on projects like PHARES signals the EU’s intent to stimulate rapid progress in key technological areas, particularly hybrid-electric propulsion for regional aircraft.
By setting clear targets and timelines, Clean Aviation provides a framework that encourages both innovation and accountability. The requirement to achieve entry into service by 2035 ensures that research efforts are closely aligned with market needs and regulatory expectations, fostering a sense of urgency that is often lacking in large-scale research initiatives.
This structure also facilitates international collaboration, as seen in the inclusion of North-American partners following a bilateral agreement between Canada and the EU. Such partnerships are crucial for pooling expertise and accelerating the development of complex systems like hybrid-electric propulsion.
Alignment with Broader Climate Goals
Clean Aviation is part of the EU’s response to the growing climate crisis, aligning with broader policies under the European Green Deal. The program’s emphasis on measurable emissions reductions and commercial viability reflects a shift from aspirational goals to actionable strategies, with clear benchmarks for progress.
The integration of public and private funding ensures that innovations developed under Clean Aviation have a clear path to market, reducing the risk of promising technologies stalling due to lack of investment. This approach also encourages companies to align their R&D efforts with regulatory and market trends, increasing the likelihood of widespread adoption.
By fostering a collaborative ecosystem, Clean Aviation aims to maintain the EU’s leadership in sustainable aviation while setting standards that could influence global practices. The program’s success will likely serve as a model for other regions seeking to balance economic growth with environmental responsibility.
RTX Corporation and the PHARES Project Leadership
RTX Corporation’s selection to lead the PHARES consortium is a historic achievement, marking the first time a Canadian company has headed a Clean Aviation initiative. This follows the 2024 bilateral agreement between Ottawa and the EU, which opened the door for Canadian participation. RTX brings together Pratt & Whitney Canada, Collins Aerospace, ATR, and Airbus in a transatlantic partnership that exemplifies the global nature of sustainable aviation development.
The PHARES project focuses on developing a hybrid-electric propulsion demonstrator that combines a PW127XT-derivative turboprop engine with a 250 kW electric motor from Collins Aerospace, integrated via an optimized propeller gearbox. This configuration is designed to achieve significant efficiency improvements while maintaining the reliability required for commercial operations.
Maria Della Posta, President of Pratt & Whitney Canada, stated, “Hybrid-electric propulsion and electrified aircraft systems are key parts of RTX’s technology roadmap for optimizing performance and enhancing fuel efficiency across multiple future aircraft platforms.” This underlines PHARES as a central component of RTX’s broader strategy, not just an isolated research project.
“Hybrid-electric propulsion and electrified aircraft systems are key parts of RTX’s technology roadmap for optimizing performance and enhancing fuel efficiency across multiple future aircraft platforms.” — Maria Della Posta, President, Pratt & Whitney Canada
Consortium Structure and Collaboration
The PHARES consortium leverages the strengths of its partners: Pratt & Whitney Canada’s propulsion expertise, Collins Aerospace’s electrical systems, and the manufacturing and operational experience of ATR and Airbus. This structure ensures that innovations developed through PHARES can be rapidly transitioned from demonstration to commercial application.
Such collaboration is essential for tackling the complex challenges of hybrid-electric propulsion, which requires seamless integration of mechanical and electrical systems. The consortium model also facilitates knowledge transfer and risk-sharing, enabling more ambitious technical targets than would be possible for any single company.
The €69 million funding for PHARES supports not only technology development but also the extensive testing and validation needed to meet certification and commercial readiness standards. This investment reflects the high stakes and potential rewards associated with leading the next generation of regional aircraft propulsion.
Technical Scope and Innovation
The PHARES demonstrator will integrate an advanced PW127XT-derivative engine with a 250 kW electric motor, using a propeller gearbox optimized for hybrid operation. This architecture allows dynamic power management, enabling both thermal and electric sources to be used optimally during different flight phases.
Collins Aerospace’s electric motor technology is based on scalable platforms, with the 250 kW motor being a derivative of its 1 MW flagship. This ensures that the system can be adapted for various aircraft sizes and applications, enhancing its commercial potential.
The project also includes development of an advanced propeller system, leveraging electric motor assistance for more precise torque control and efficiency. This holistic approach addresses not just propulsion but also overall aircraft performance and noise reduction.
Technical Innovation and Hybrid-Electric Propulsion Architecture
The hybrid-electric propulsion system at the core of PHARES represents a sophisticated blend of conventional and emerging technologies. The integration of a proven turboprop engine with a high-efficiency electric motor enables dynamic power sharing, optimizing fuel use and emissions across different flight stages.
During high-demand phases like takeoff, both the engine and motor operate together, allowing the thermal engine to be sized for cruise efficiency rather than peak power. This strategy addresses a key inefficiency in traditional aircraft, where engines are often overpowered for most operational needs.
Thermal efficiency improvements in the PW127XT derivative engine complement the hybrid architecture, further reducing fuel consumption. The electric motor’s precise control capabilities enable new propeller designs, improving efficiency and potentially reducing noise, an important consideration for regional operations.
“The 1 MW motor delivers four times the power and twice the voltage of Collins’ most advanced electric motor generators in service, while achieving half the heat loss and half the weight.” — Collins Aerospace
System Integration and Testing
RTX’s dual expertise in propulsion and electrical systems streamlines the integration process, reducing technical and commercial barriers. The company’s hybrid-electric flight demonstrator program, using a modified Dash 8-100, has already achieved full-power testing, validating key aspects of the PHARES architecture.
The demonstrator combines a highly efficient thermal engine, a 1 MW electric motor, and advanced battery systems, providing critical data for certification. The use of existing aircraft platforms for testing accelerates development timelines and reduces certification complexity.
Collins Aerospace’s “The Grid” laboratory, a $50 million investment, supports the development and testing of electric motors and power distribution systems. This facility is among the most advanced in the industry, enabling rapid prototyping and validation of new technologies.
Scalability and Future Applications
The modular nature of the hybrid-electric system developed for PHARES allows it to be adapted to different aircraft types, from regional planes to rotorcraft. RTX’s collaboration with Airbus Helicopters on the PioneerLab technology demonstrator extends these innovations to the rotorcraft sector, showcasing the versatility of the technology.
Projects like SWITCH, which focus on hybridizing larger engines for single-aisle aircraft, demonstrate the scalability of RTX’s approach. By developing a family of electric motors ranging from 250 kW to 1 MW, Collins Aerospace ensures that the technology can meet the needs of various market segments.
The integration of high-voltage electrical distribution systems, such as those developed in the HECATE project, addresses critical infrastructure requirements for hybrid-electric aircraft, supporting both propulsion and onboard systems.
Market Context, Financial Implications, and Industry Partnerships
The regional aircraft market is particularly well-suited for hybrid-electric propulsion, given its shorter routes and frequent takeoff/landing cycles. Clean Aviation’s Ultra-Efficient Regional Aircraft concept targets aircraft with 50-100 seats and design ranges up to 500 nautical miles, aligning with typical regional operations.
Market projections for hybrid-electric aircraft are robust, with estimates ranging from $2.80 billion in 2023 to as much as $465.60 billion by 2050. North America currently leads in market share, but European initiatives like Clean Aviation are rapidly closing the gap. The sector’s growth is driven by regulatory pressures, cost-saving potential, and increasing demand for environmentally friendly travel.
RTX’s financial stability, evidenced by $80.8 billion in adjusted sales and a $218 billion backlog in 2024, supports its ability to invest in long-term technology development. Public-private funding models, such as those used in Clean Aviation, help de-risk innovation and encourage broader industry participation.
“The global hybrid electric aircraft market is projected to grow at a compound annual rate of over 21% through 2050.” — Verified Market Research
Industry Partnerships and Technology Transfer
Collaboration is central to Clean Aviation’s strategy, with consortia like PHARES bringing together established manufacturers and specialized technology firms. ATR’s parallel projects, such as HERACLES and DEMETRA, aim to fly the world’s first hybrid-electric regional aircraft by 2030, providing a clear timeline for market entry.
Partnerships with academic institutions and startups enhance innovation and provide access to specialized expertise. For example, Collins Aerospace conducts motor testing at the University of Nottingham, while H55 S.A. supplies batteries for RTX’s demonstrator programs.
International cooperation, facilitated by regulatory alignment between the EU and Canada, ensures that innovations developed under Clean Aviation can be commercialized in multiple markets. This approach reduces barriers to adoption and maximizes the impact of new technologies.
Regulatory and Sustainability Landscape
The integration of hybrid-electric propulsion with SAF capabilities amplifies emissions reductions, with SAF offering up to 80% lower lifecycle emissions compared to conventional fuel. Regulatory mandates in Europe require increasing SAF usage, creating favorable conditions for aircraft optimized for both hybrid propulsion and SAF compatibility.
Certification of hybrid-electric aircraft presents new challenges, requiring coordination between electrical and propulsion standards. Regulatory agencies are developing frameworks to address these complexities, with ground and flight testing providing essential data for approval.
The success of Clean Aviation and similar programs will likely influence global standards, encouraging harmonization and facilitating technology transfer across regions. This regulatory environment supports the rapid adoption of sustainable aviation technologies.
Conclusion
RTX’s leadership of the PHARES project marks a transformative step in the evolution of sustainable aviation. By integrating advanced hybrid-electric propulsion technologies within a collaborative, international framework, RTX and its partners are setting new standards for efficiency, emissions reduction, and commercial viability in regional aviation.
The success of PHARES and related initiatives will have far-reaching implications, serving as a model for future public-private partnerships and international cooperation in aerospace. As the industry moves toward the 2035 commercial readiness target, continued investment, innovation, and regulatory alignment will be crucial for achieving the ambitious goals of climate-neutral flight and maintaining global competitiveness.
FAQ
What is the PHARES project?
PHARES (Powerplant Hybrid Application REgional Segment) is a hybrid-electric propulsion development initiative led by RTX’s Pratt & Whitney Canada, in collaboration with Collins Aerospace, ATR, and Airbus, under the EU Clean Aviation program. It aims to improve fuel efficiency in regional aircraft by up to 20%.
Why is hybrid-electric propulsion important for aviation?
Hybrid-electric propulsion reduces fuel consumption and emissions by combining traditional engines with electric motors, optimizing power use during different flight stages. This is especially beneficial for regional aircraft with frequent takeoff and landing cycles.
What is the timeline for commercial deployment?
The Clean Aviation program targets entry into service for hybrid-electric regional aircraft by 2035, with demonstrator projects and flight testing planned throughout the late 2020s and early 2030s.
How is the PHARES project funded?
PHARES receives €69 million in funding from the Clean Aviation program, part of a broader €4.1 billion budget combining EU and private sector investments.
What companies are involved in the PHARES consortium?
The consortium includes RTX’s Pratt & Whitney Canada and Collins Aerospace, as well as ATR and Airbus, representing a blend of propulsion, electrical systems, and aircraft manufacturing expertise.
Sources
Photo Credit: RTX
Technology & Innovation
REGENT Craft Opens Seaglider Manufacturing Facility in Rhode Island
REGENT Craft opened its 255,000-sq-ft Rhode Island facility on Sept 30, 2026, targeting serial production and late 2027 deliveries.
REGENT Craft officially opened its 255,000-square-foot Seaglider Manufacturing Facility in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, on September 30, 2026, marking the transition from prototyping to serial production for its all-electric maritime vessels.
The facility opening, supported by a recent $240 million Series B funding round, featured the first public live flight demonstration of the company’s 12-passenger Viceroy prototype and autonomous Squire drone. In a press release issued to coincide with the event, the company outlined its path toward initial customer deliveries in late 2027.
Scaling manufacturing capacity
The ribbon-cutting ceremony at 1 Seaglider Way in the Quonset Business Park drew more than 600 attendees. Notable participants included U.S. Representative Gabe Amo, Kamio Ao of Japan Airlines, Stephen Edwards, CEO of Hornblower, Steven King, Managing Director of the Quonset Development Corporation, and Admiral Butch Dollaga (Ret.), Operating Partner at AE Industrial Partners. The event occurred less than a month after the Viceroy prototype achieved its first ground effect flight on September 9, 2026.
With the new facility operational, REGENT aims to reach an annual production rate of 75 Viceroy vessels and 300 Squire drones at full capacity. The company has raised $340 million in total capital to date, including the recent $240 million Series B round, to support this industrialization effort.
“We proved the technology and the demand; now we build. With $340 million raised to date and 1 Seaglider Way officially open, we’re moving from prototype to production and putting Seaglider vessels in customers’ hands. This is what reindustrializing America looks like: a cutting-edge facility, a first-rate team, and a product the world wants,” said Billy Thalheimer, Co-founder and CEO of REGENT Craft.
Expanding defense partnerships
Alongside its commercial manufacturing milestones, REGENT is expanding its footprint in the defense sector. On October 1, 2026, the company announced a $5 million Phase IV contract extension with the U.S. Marine Corps Warfighting Lab. This extension brings the total value of the contract to $19.25 million.
The extended agreement focuses on demonstrating the full-scale Viceroy prototype in operationally relevant conditions. It also covers the integration of seagliders into military command-and-control systems, evaluating the technology for expeditionary logistics and over-water transport missions.
Thalheimer noted the rapid progression of the military partnership in a statement regarding the contract extension. He stated that what began as a feasibility question has evolved into a real operational program, indicating the trajectory of the technology.
Wing-in-ground-effect technology and market position
Founded by Billy Thalheimer and Mike Klinker, REGENT develops wing-in-ground-effect (WIG) craft designed to provide fast, low-cost, zero-emission coastal transportation. The seagliders operate in three distinct modes. They float on their hulls at the dock, transition onto hydrofoils as speed increases, and fly just above the water’s surface within a wingspan of the water during cruise. Because they operate exclusively over water, the vessels fall under maritime jurisdiction rather than aviation regulations.
The company has amassed a commercial order book valued at $10 billion across six continents. Customers and partners include Ocean Flyer in New Zealand, Japan Airlines, and Hornblower.
The opening of the North Kingstown facility follows a structured development timeline. The final structural beam was installed on November 14, 2025, and the company announced the completion of the building at the Reindustrialize conference in Detroit on June 16, 2026. The focus now shifts to fulfilling the order book, with targeted first customer deliveries of the 12-passenger Viceroy Seaglider scheduled for late 2027.
AirPro News analysis
REGENT’s transition into a dedicated 255,000-square-foot production facility represents a critical maturation point for the modern wing-in-ground-effect sector. While WIG concepts have existed for decades, they have historically struggled to bridge the gap between experimental prototypes and serial manufacturing. By securing $340 million in capital and establishing a $10 billion order book, REGENT has built a financial foundation that previous WIG developers lacked.
The dual-use strategy is equally significant. The $19.25 million U.S. Marine Corps contract provides non-dilutive funding and operational validation while the commercial side navigates the maritime regulatory framework. Operating under maritime rather than aviation jurisdiction allows REGENT to bypass the lengthy certification processes required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), potentially accelerating the path to market for coastal transport operators. We view the concurrent advancement of the commercial manufacturing base and the military operational testing as a strong indicator of the platform’s viability.
Photo Credit: REGENT Craft
Sustainable Aviation
SABA Members Back Infinium eSAF Facility With Long-Term Deals
Google, McKinsey, and others sign binding SAFc agreements to support Infinium Energy’s 100,000 MT/year Texas eSAF project.
Corporate members of the Sustainable Aviation Buyers Alliance (SABA) have signed binding, multi-year agreements to purchase sustainable aviation fuel certificates (SAFc) from Infinium Energy’s planned electro-sustainable aviation fuel (eSAF) facility in Texas. The commitments, announced on September 22, 2026, are designed to provide the financial demand signals necessary for Infinium to reach a final investment decision on the project.
In a press release issued by SABA, the organization confirmed that American Airlines (AA) will serve as the physical offtaker for the fuel, managing logistics and delivery. The corporate buyers purchasing the associated certificates include AVEVA, Bain & Company, Google, and McKinsey & Company. The agreement marks the first time SABA’s procurement model has been utilized to directly drive new production capacity for scalable sustainable aviation fuel.
Project Atlas production and environmental targets
Infinium Energy was selected through a SABA procurement process earlier in 2026 to provide ultra-low carbon eSAF. The fuel is produced using waste carbon dioxide and renewable energy, distinguishing it from traditional biofuel pathways that rely on agricultural or waste feedstocks.
The planned Texas facility, designated Project Atlas, is expected to have an annual sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production capacity of 100,000 metric tons. According to the alliance, the contracted volumes will support an expected greenhouse gas abatement of 212,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (mtCO2e). SABA equates this emissions reduction to approximately 3,500 commercial flights between John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
“We’re proud to partner with SABA members including AVEVA, Bain & Company, Google, McKinsey, and others, as well as American Airlines to bring Infinium Energy’s next world scale eSAF facility to life. Their commitment reflects a shared conviction that decarbonizing aviation requires real investment in next-generation supply,” said Robert Schuetzle, CEO of Infinium Energy.
Aggregating demand through book-and-claim
The transaction utilizes a book-and-claim model. Corporate buyers purchase the SAFc to claim the environmental benefits against their business travel emissions, while the physical fuel is delivered to partner airlines. This mechanism allows corporations to fund SAF production even when the physical fuel cannot be delivered directly to the airports their employees use.
American Airlines will manage the physical integration of the eSAF into the commercial aviation fuel supply chain. Jill Blickstein, Chief Sustainability Officer at American Airlines, stated that the corporate commitments broaden participation in the SAF market and demonstrate how customers can collaborate with airlines and fuel producers to advance decarbonization.
SABA, a joint initiative of the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), the Center for Green Market Activation (GMA), and RMI, has aggregated $500 million in SAFc demand from 35 companies to date. Aviation currently accounts for approximately 2 to 3 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions.
“Novel technologies are critical to meeting future demand for sustainable aviation fuel, but they will not be operational in time without investments made today. This procurement demonstrates how aggregated, long-term demand can help take promising eSAF projects from idea to reality,” said Jon Creyts, CEO of RMI.
AirPro News analysis
We view this agreement as a critical structural step for the eSAF market. Power-to-Liquid (PtL) fuels like those planned for Project Atlas face a steep commercialization barrier. They are highly capital-intensive to build and currently produce fuel at a significant cost premium compared to both conventional Jet A and HEFA-based SAF derived from waste fats and oils.
Airlines operate on thin margins and generally cannot absorb the full green premium of eSAF alone. By unbundling the environmental attributes from the physical fuel, the SABA model allows highly capitalized corporate entities like Google and McKinsey & Company to absorb that premium. More importantly, signing binding, multi-year offtake agreements provides the revenue certainty that infrastructure lenders require before financing first-of-a-kind industrial facilities. If Project Atlas reaches a positive final investment decision based on these contracts, it will validate the book-and-claim model as a viable financing mechanism for next-generation aerospace infrastructure.
Sources: Sustainable Aviation Buyers Alliance via PR Newswire
Photo Credit: Sustainable Aviation Buyers Alliance
Technology & Innovation
Skyfly Axe eVTOL to Debut at AirVenture as FAA MOSAIC Takes Effect
Skyfly Technologies will showcase the Axe eVTOL at EAA AirVenture 2026, aligned with the FAA MOSAIC Phase 2 LSA certification rule.
UK and US-based aerospace manufacturer Skyfly Technologies Ltd announced on June 15, 2026, that it will debut its Axe Vertically Capable Aircraft at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, aligning with the final implementation of the Federal Aviation Administration’s new light sport aircraft regulations.
In a press release, the company stated the July 20 to 26, 2026 exhibition coincides directly with the July 24, 2026 effective date for Phase 2 of the Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) rule. This regulatory shift provides a viable certification pathway for personal electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft by allowing them to be classified as Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) rather than requiring complex transport-category type certification.
Aligning with the MOSAIC framework
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) published the final MOSAIC rule in the Federal Register on July 24, 2025, with Phase 1 taking effect in October 2025. The upcoming Phase 2 implementation replaces the legacy 1,320-pound weight limit for the LSA category with performance-based metrics, such as stall speed limits. This officially permits powered-lift aircraft to qualify for LSA certification, allowing manufacturers to utilize industry consensus standards.
Skyfly Chief Executive Officer Michael Thompson highlighted the regulatory alignment between the company’s design philosophy and the new FAA framework.
“The timing could not be better. The Axe was conceived around a simple idea: that personal vertical flight can be safe and accessible when simplicity, efficiency and redundancy are built into the design. MOSAIC creates a framework that recognizes those principles.”
Prior to the MOSAIC framework, manufacturers of personal eVTOLs faced the prospect of pursuing transport-category type certification. Thompson noted that the special conditions for vertically capable aircraft were designed for transport-level operations, describing the legacy requirement as “completely overkill” for light sport applications.
Axe VCA development and specifications
The Axe Vertically Capable Aircraft (VCA) is a two-seat personal eVTOL intended for private ownership rather than commercial air taxi operations. Designed by Chief Technology Officer Dr. William Brooks, the aircraft utilizes a dual-wing canard design equipped with eight electric motors driving four rotors, generating 280 kW of peak power.
According to company specifications, the Axe has a maximum all-up weight of 690 kg and a payload capacity of 172 kg. The aircraft is designed to achieve a fully electric range of 100 miles and a cruise speed of 100 mph.
Skyfly, headquartered in Oxfordshire, UK, with a US office at SunTrax in Auburndale, Florida, has accumulated 57 customer orders for the Axe as of May 2026.
Flight testing progression and future targets
Founded in 2019, Skyfly has advanced the Axe through multiple testing phases. The aircraft completed its initial manned hover flights in November 2024, followed by piloted fixed-wing test flights in March 2025. In August 2025, the prototype executed a 10-nautical-mile cross-country flight between Turweston and Bicester in the UK, marking a milestone for airfield-to-airfield eVTOL operations in Europe.
The company is currently preparing for transition flight testing to evaluate the shift between vertical and forward flight. Skyfly is also developing a second prototype in the UK, which will feature a new propulsion system and a larger battery to mitigate thermal limitations identified during earlier hover tests. Testing of this upgraded propulsion package is scheduled to begin in late 2026, with the company targeting initial customer deliveries in 2027.
AirPro News analysis
The implementation of the FAA MOSAIC rule represents a structural shift for the lower end of the advanced air mobility market. By removing the prohibitive cost barrier of transport-category type certification, regulators are opening a viable commercial path for private-use eVTOLs. We expect this regulatory clarity to accelerate development timelines for manufacturers like Skyfly, shifting the competitive focus from certification strategy to production scaling and consumer adoption. The presence of the Axe at EAA AirVenture, an event expected to draw 700,000 attendees, signals a deliberate pivot toward the traditional general aviation consumer base, testing whether the experimental and light sport communities are ready to embrace powered-lift technology.
Photo Credit: Skyfly
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