Australia-based electric aviation network developer FlyOnE and Electron Aerospace, a Dutch electric aircraft manufacturer, are partnering to change the way Western Australians will fly. Small, electric aircraft offer significant reductions in operating costs and therefore make it commercially viable to offer connections where currently there are few or none.

FlyOnE's Lilypad Elevate network will connect 25 regional airports in Western Australia and create over 30 point-to-point connections. Initially the company has plans to install a solar-powered charging infrastructure for electric aircraft; proposed sites include Perth, Rottnest Island, Murray Field airport, Mundaring airport, White Gum Air Park and Northam airport. A regional air mobility service will then be launched once electric aircraft are operational.

The partnership involves the Electron 5 aircraft, designed by Electron Aerospace. Even with today's limited battery energy density, it can fly 750 km on a single charge and at a top speed of 300 km/h. With its short eSTOL capabilities, the Electron 5 makes smaller, often underused airfields accessible. And its cabin offers space for one pilot and up to four passengers, on seats that resemble those in luxury cars and with large panoramic windows offering 270 degree views.

“To find the right aircraft for our Lilypad Elevate network, we conducted an extensive market scan," says FlyOnE CEO Korum E. "We quickly ruled out eVTOLs due to their limited range. The Electron 5 best meets our mission profile, both in terms of range as well as available seats. Knowing that the Electron 5 achieves the required performance with today's battery technology gives us the confidence that the aircraft will be delivered on time.”

“We're excited to announce FlyOnE as our launch customer and are proud that it has chosen our Electron 5 to be the backbone of the Lilypad Elevate network,” adds Electron CCO/COO Marc-Henry de Jong. “And as our companies share the vision of making zero emission, on demand, regional air mobility a reality, we believe that this is just the start of a long and prosperous partnership. Over the coming weeks and months we will explore other potential areas of cooperation, including aircraft distribution, servicing and potentially manufacturing. So, watch this space.”

On 31 December 2021, FlyOnE and Electron Aerospace signed a memorandum of understanding under which FlyOnE secured priority production slots in 2026 and 2027. In total, FlyOnE ordered 28 aircraft, including two trainer versions as well as 26 passenger versions. First aircraft deliveries are expected in 2026.