FutureFlight
Pipistrel Unveils Plans for 20-Seat Electric Miniliner to Connect Small Communities
The Slovenian electric aircraft pioneer is aiming to get the design into commercial service between 2028 and 2030.
Pipistrel Miniliner
Pipistrel is developing plans for an electric airliner that could carry up to 20 passengers on routes connecting smaller communities with larger airports. (Image: Pipistrel)

Pipistrel is working on plans for a 20-seat electric fixed-wing aircraft to provide regional flight connections between smaller communities using runways of no more than 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) in length. The Miniliner is primarily intended to provide scheduled air service on routes of between 200 and 1,000 km (125 to 625 miles), including what the Slovenia company describes as “microfeeder” services to larger hub airports.

Building on its experience in developing electric light aircraft, such as its Velis Electro model, Pipistrel is advancing conceptual designs for the Miniliner in partnership with several universities and under the auspices of the European Union-based Unifier19 project to encourage new air mobility services for smaller communities. It will have a total of 20 seats to accommodate both passengers and crew.