Regional airline Regional Express (Rex) has taken a 20 per cent stake in Dovetail Electric Aviation, further cementing the strategic partnership between the two Australian aviation companies following the signing of a memorandum of understanding on 21 July, 2022.

Dovetail was founded in 2021 as a joint venture between Sydney Aviation Holdings and Spain’s Dante Aeronautical to develop and certify the retrofitting of electric engines onto legacy turboprops for regional and GA operations. Rex is providing the aircraft to be used as a test bed along with a raft of support facilities including engineering expertise, technical assistance, MRO support as well as storage facilities and workforce accommodation.

This equity participation agreement comes on the heels of the successful completion of initial ground tests involving Dovetail's small-scale electric propulsion system (EPS) which spun a three-blade propeller for the first time.

This partnership with Rex not only validates Dovetail's innovative technology but also provides a strong foundation for the company's continued growth and development. One of the Rex board members will be appointed to sit on the Dovetail board.

Dovetail's recent $3 million grant from the Australian federal government's Cooperative Research Centres Projects (CRC-P) programme will be instrumental in facilitating the development of electric propulsion systems for aircraft used on regional routes operated by Rex and other regional airlines. This grant positions Dovetail to lead the charge in sustainable aviation, ensuring that regional air travel remains accessible and affordable for all.

Dovetail is excited to continue working closely with Rex and other partners to bring its cutting-edge technology to the forefront of the aviation industry.