FutureFlight
Pipistrel To Supply Electric Propulsion for Airflow's eSTOL Proof-of-Concept Aircraft
The Slovenian electric aviation pioneer makes the world's first type certificated all-electric aircraft and is developing a family of 19-passenger regional aircraft called the Miniliner.
Airflow Pipistrel
Pipistrel is to provide electric motors, controllers and batteries for Airflow's eSTOL proof-of-concept aircraft. (Image: Airflow)

Electric aircraft manufacturer Pipistrel is joining forces with Airflow to support its efforts to develop an eSTOL aircraft. The Slovenian company, whose Velis Electro is the world’s first certified all-electric aircraft, will supply the California-based start-up with electric motors, controllers, and batteries for the proof-of-concept model with which it intends to begin test flights in 2022.

In a November 11 announcement, the companies said they will jointly explore a wider collaboration on the electric propulsion system for Airflow’s production aircraft, which is expected to come to market in 2025. According to Airflow, it already holds letters of intent valued at $600 million from 11 prospective customers, including U.S. regional carrier Ravn Alaska, which has committed to adding 50 of the hybrid-electric Model 200 to its fleet.