Canadian seaplane operator Harbour Air already has proven its ability to quickly turn a concept into reality, taking about nine months from the launch of its eBeaver electric aircraft program to fly the first prototype on December 10, 2019. However, circumstances out of its control—namely, the Covid pandemic and resulting supply chain constraints—have slowed progress considerably and forced at least a one-year delay in expected certification, now targeted for early to mid-2024.
In an interview with FutureFlight, Harbour Air CEO Greg McDougall explained that several electronic components meant for the program’s next prototypes remain on backorder, mainly from China, while the company awaits a new motor from propulsion partner MagniX to arrive in “a few months” for a ground-test vehicle and another for the second flying example. The second flying eBeaver will also serve as the first of the conversions to enter service, but a lack of visibility on the timing of parts deliveries makes predicting when the airplane will fly an even less exact exercise than usual.
