FutureFlight
MintAir Set To Employ Electra's eSTOL Aircraft for Korean Regional Flights
The new operator says the model's short-takeoff-and-landing capability and range of 800 miles will mean it can reach anywhere in Korea from its base at Seongnam City, near the capital, Seoul.
South Korea's MintAir plans to operate Electra's eSTOL aircraft from a base at Seongnam City at the heart of Korea's high-tech industry.
South Korea's MintAir plans to operate Electra's eSTOL aircraft from a base at Seongnam City at the heart of Korea's high-tech industry. (Image: Electra)

MintAir this week took a new step toward its goal of operating scheduled regional air services in South Korea by signing a letter of intent to buy 50 of Electra’s planned nine-passenger eSTOL aircraft. Initially, the company says, it will operate the fixed-wing aircraft, which is expected to be able to land and take off in as little as 300 feet, from existing airports as new infrastructure becomes available in and around cities.

The Electra hybrid-electric eSTOL is expected to be able to operate on routes of up to 500 miles (800 km) and could carry 1,800 pounds of cargo instead of passengers. According to MintAir, from its initial operating hub in Seongnam City (a suburb of the capital, Seoul), it will be able to reach anywhere in Korea, including the remote islands of Jejudo and Ulleungdo.

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