European aircraft developer unveils “game-changing” hybrid airliner

European aircraft developer Maeve Aerospace has unveiled an 80 seat hybrid airliner which it says will have the performance of a jet but the efficiency of a turbo-prop.

The airliner, known as M80, is c clean sheet design aircraft and will have a range of 800nm whilst having a 40% reduction in energy consumption.

Maeve claim that Its hybrid electric propulsion system will offer a fuel usage of 2 litres, per passengers, per 100km while cruising at 400 knots (ktas). This will result in a 25% lower overall trip cost and a 20% lower seat per mile cost compared to similarly sized truboprops.

Martin Nuesseler of Maeve Aerospace
Martin Nuesseler of Maeve Aerospace

Martin Nuesseler, CTO of Maeve Aerospace: “To my knowledge, there are currently no alternatives in development that are equally sustainable, cost effective, and match the operational needs of airlines and airports. If there are, I would applaud them, because we need more of these realistic solutions to become sustainable”.

As well as being able to operate on 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) the M80 will be be fully certified to operate on 100% hydrogen based Power-to-Liquid fuels, mean it can potentially eliminate CO2 emissions to greater than 95%.

Maeve Aerospace M80 Hydrogen-Electric Airliner

The ultimate aim for Maeve is to decarbonise air travel which is something that the industry has set a target of net-zero by 2050.

Maeve Aerospace aims to have the M80 in service by 2031. A date based on the experience and lessons learned from several aircraft programs, and their industrial ramp-up. 

The unveiling of the M80 plans come as Maeve Aerospace expands to a new innovation hub at Oberpfaffenhofen Airport in Munich.

About Nick Harding 2018 Articles
Nick is the senior reporter and editor at UK Aviation News as well as working freelance elsewhere. He has his finger firmly on the pulse on Aviation, not only in the UK but worldwide. Nick has been asked to speak in a professional capacity on LBC, Heart and other broadcast networks.

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