Aircraft
Cormorant Prepares to Start Testing Hybrid-Electric Demonstrator
Dutch start-up aims to bring regional airliner to market in 2030
Cormorant aircraft
Cormorant Aerospace is working on an eight-passenger hybrid-electric aircraft that might feature wooden wings.

Cormorant Aerospace has built a technology demonstrator for its planned eight-passenger hybrid-electric aircraft. The model, designated as an “operational surface prototype,” will be used for ground testing as the Dutch start-up prepares to be ready to start flight tests in 2028.

Plans for the aircraft have evolved since early 2023, when what was then called Cormorant Seaplanes unveiled plans for a seven-passenger amphibious aircraft. Now the company expects to offer the aircraft for ground- or water-based regional airliner services and with short takeoff and landing capability.