Maeve is collaborating with Pratt & Whitney Canada on the design of its M80 hybrid-electric 80-seater regional aircraft.

The M80 is designed to offer the performance of a jet and the cost efficiency of a turboprop. With a range of up to 1,200nm, the M80's makers aim to reduce fuel consumption and emissions by up to 40% relative to benchmark regional jets while cruising at comparable speeds and altitudes. Maeve is targeting entry-into-service in 2032 following a robust integrated product development plan based on the team’s experience and lessons learned from several aircraft industrial programs.

“As a clean sheet design, the performance and efficiency of the Maeve M80 will be a game changer for the regional aviation market, combining advanced aerodynamics and a disruptive propulsion technology,” says Martin Nuesseler, Chief Technology Officer, Maeve. “Working together with Pratt & Whitney Canada at this stage of the programme will enable us to validate and optimize the design of the aircraft and hybrid-electric propulsion system, tapping into the full potential of this promising new technology.”

“Reaching the ambitious goals of reducing emissions and making aviation more sustainable will depend on combined efforts to accelerate technology innovation and drive collaboration across our industry,” adds Anthony Rossi, vice president, global sales and marketing, Pratt & Whitney Canada. “It’s in this spirit that we will collaborate with Maeve, leveraging our growing expertise in sustainable propulsion technologies, as well as our unrivaled experience powering the regional aviation market for four decades.”

The regional aircraft market is forecasted to grow well into the next two decades, in particular driven by the need for larger aircraft passenger capacities in the 70-90 seat range, as well as better environmental performance. Maeve’s strategy is to access this underserved market with a clean sheet aircraft design that sets new standards in sustainability and economics.