This article is based on an official press release from EVIO Inc. and verified industry data.

EVIO Inc. Debuts Hybrid-Electric Program with Boeing Backing and 450 Pre-Orders

Montreal-based aerospace company EVIO Inc. has officially launched its EVIO 810 hybrid-electric regional aircraft program, marking a significant shift in the sustainable aviation landscape. According to the company’s announcement, the program enters the market with substantial momentum, securing 450 conditional pre-orders from two undisclosed major Airlines. These commitments are split between 250 firm orders and 200 options.

The launch is bolstered by strategic investment and technical support from Boeing, alongside a propulsion collaboration with Pratt & Whitney Canada. The EVIO 810 is a “clean-sheet” design targeting the 76-to-100-seat market, a segment that has seen limited innovation in recent decades. The aircraft aims to replace aging regional turboprops and jets with a solution that balances operational reality with aggressive decarbonization goals, targeting an entry into service (EIS) in the early 2030s.

The EVIO 810: Technical Specifications

The EVIO 810 is positioned as a regional hybrid-electric airliner designed to address the “replacement crisis” facing regional fleets. Unlike smaller electric concepts, this aircraft is sized to handle standard regional routes with a capacity of 76 to 100 passengers.

Propulsion and Performance

At the core of the EVIO 810 is a “Strong Hybrid” propulsion architecture. According to technical details released by the company, this system allows the aircraft to operate in fully Electric-Aviation mode during specific flight phases,such as taxiing, takeoff, landing, and short-range flights of approximately 100 nautical miles (185 km). For longer missions, the turbine engines engage to extend range and recharge batteries.

The aircraft features four wing-mounted nacelles. Each houses a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6E turbine engine mated to an electric motor and battery pack. This configuration aims to deliver:

• Range: Optimized for 200–300 nm routes, with a maximum capability of up to 500 nm (approx. 926 km).
• Speed: Comparable to current regional turboprops, estimated at 300–350 knots.
• Versatility: A Cargo-Aircraft door and reinforced floor capable of handling standard pallets, suitable for freight and potential defense applications.

Strategic Partnerships and Leadership

EVIO’s rapid ascent from a “stealth” entity to a major industry player is underpinned by high-profile Partnerships. Boeing has stepped in as a strategic investor, providing both capital and technical services to assist with certification and manufacturing scaling. Simultaneously, the collaboration with Pratt & Whitney Canada leverages the legendary reliability of the PT6 engine family, a move designed to reduce the technical risk associated with unproven propulsion systems.

The company is led by CEO Michael Derman and CTO Luc Van Bavel. The Board of Directors includes notable industry veterans such as Rob Dewar, widely recognized as the “Father of the CSeries” (now the Airbus A220), and Frank Cappuccio, former EVP of Lockheed Martin Skunk Works.

“The EVIO 810 represents a pragmatic evolution in regional aviation, combining proven turbine reliability with the efficiency of electric propulsion,” the company stated in its release materials.

AirPro News Analysis: The Regional Market Gap

The launch of the EVIO 810 addresses a critical gap in the aviation market. As major manufacturers like Airbus and Embraer focus on larger jets (100+ seats), the sub-100-seat market has been largely reliant on aging platforms like the De Havilland Dash 8 and ATR series. Airlines are under increasing pressure to decarbonize short-haul flights, which are disproportionately carbon-intensive on a per-passenger basis.

EVIO’s approach differs significantly from competitors like Heart Aerospace, which targets the 30-seat commuter market. By aiming for up to 100 seats, EVIO places itself in direct competition with traditional regional jets and the upcoming Maeve M80. The sheer volume of the initial order book,450 aircraft,suggests strong interest from the world’s largest regional carriers, potentially including operators like SkyWest or major airline subsidiaries looking to hedge against rising fuel costs and carbon taxes.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the EVIO 810 enter service?
The company targets entry into service (EIS) in the early 2030s.

Who provides the engines for the aircraft?
The propulsion system utilizes Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6E turbine engines integrated with electric motors.

What is the range of the aircraft?
The aircraft is optimized for routes between 200 and 300 nautical miles but is capable of flying up to 500 nautical miles.

Is the aircraft fully electric?
No, it uses a “Strong Hybrid” system. It can fly fully electric for short distances (approx. 100 nm) and uses turbine power for cruise and longer ranges.

Sources

Business Wire (EVIO Inc. Press Release)