Regional Transport Aviation

Regional transport aviation is at a turning point in its history with the upcoming arrival of hybrid, electric, and hydrogen-powered aircraft suitable for inter-regional flights. They will enable the development of new air routes that will complement an incomplete railway network and an inefficient road network for inter-regional travel between regions.

A model to reinvent

Commercial inter-regional air routes are becoming less prevalent today as they are not well suited to the current challenges of environmental awareness and flexibility. Consequently, decreased aircraft occupancy has a significant impact on the profitability of operators. However, with the emergence of light aircraft (<19 seats) powered by hybrid, electric, or hydrogen propulsion, there is a tremendous opportunity to reinvent the model of regional air transport and make it sustainable, better meeting the needs of passengers.

**Regional air mobility is undergoing a revolution** as it becomes more responsible

The advantages of the electric aircraft for regional transport aviation

Attracting new passengers

In recent years, and in the context of the climate crisis, the offerings of air transportation have become increasingly unsuitable for passenger needs. It is perceived as environmentally polluting and lacking flexibility in the digital age where everything is available on-demand, from food to car rides and a variety of other services.

The emergence of hybrid, electric, and hydrogen-powered aircraft will enable the aviation industry to provide a responsible and sustainable solution that aligns with current challenges and the growing environmental consciousness of the public. This transformation will initially focus on light aircraft (<19 passengers) operating on relatively short distances, allowing for the development of new regular air routes for inter-regional travel. With smaller aircraft modules, achieving higher occupancy rates will be easier, making it more feasible to adjust schedules according to passenger needs.
Finding a new economic model for operators

The new propulsion technologies will profoundly reshape the economic model for air operators. Unlike current aircraft, the new types of aircraft will have relatively low operating costs (including maintenance and refueling). Therefore, to make the model profitable, it will be necessary to maximize flight hours. Some strategies to achieve this goal could include flying during broader time slots without causing noise disturbances for airport neighbors, reaching more destinations with smaller modules, and thus opening more flights that can attract passengers, among others.

In the long run, it may even be conceivable to replace car travel with air travel for journeys of a few hundred kilometers, which represents a vast and particularly interesting market for operators seeking renewal.

Regional Transport Aviation

A model to reinvent

Regional air mobility is undergoing a revolution as it becomes more responsible

Sustainable Aircraft for regional transport

Heart Aerospace ES-30

Ampaire EcoCaravan

Eviation Alice

The advantages of the electric aircraft for regional transport aviation

Attracting new passengers

Finding a new economic model for operators