Private aviation company, JetSuite, Inc., will be the launch customer for Zunum’s hybrid-to-electric aircraft. The aircraft seats up to 12 passengers and is slated for delivery in 2022.

Through the partnership, JetSuite will add up to 100 Zunum Aero aircraft to its fleet. According to Zunum, JetSuite could reduce its carbon footprint by up to 80%.

Zunum’s aircraft features a maximum cruise speed of 340 mph and a low runway requirement of 2,200 feet for take-off. Zunum Aero aircraft are optimised for distances up to 1,000 miles and designed to be used where efficient travel options are limited, with low numbers of regional flights.

Shared vision

“JetSuite, with its tradition of shifting paradigms in aviation, is an ideal partner for us in this launch collaboration,” said Zunum Aero CEO Ashish Kumar.

“We have a shared vision for fundamentally transforming and improving the way that people live and travel,” he added.

Alex Wilcox, founder and CEO of JetSuite and JetSuiteX, commented: “At JetSuite and JetSuiteX, we appreciate the boldness required to change the status quo, and we see it in spades at Zunum. We share Zunum’s vision for hybrid to electric aviation. With this partnership, we expect to bring ever more efficient and environmentally friendly aviation solutions to our private and semi-private jet customers.”

Zunum Aero, which is backed by Boeing HorizonX and JetBlue Technology Ventures, says it remains on track for flight testing in 2019.

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