FutureFlight
Lyte Aviation and AAM Institute Develop Business Case for Seattle-area VTOL Shuttle Flights
Lyte Aviation is developing a 40-seat hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft called the SkyBus LA-44 that it says will have a range of up to 1,000 kilometers and speeds of 300 km/h.
Lyte Aviation says its SkyBus LA-44 hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft could help Seattle-area commuters.
Lyte Aviation says its SkyBus LA-44 hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft could help Seattle-area commuters. (Image: Lyte Aviation)

Lyte Aviation is exploring the basis for hybrid-electric VTOL flights to replace ferries to connect island communities in the Seattle area with its planned 40-seat SkyBus LA-44 aircraft. The European start-up unveiled plans for the tandem tilt-wing design in March and is working toward projected type certification and service entry in 2030.

This week, Lyte announced a joint development project with the Advanced Air Mobility Institute to develop a business case for routes such as from Bainbridge Island to Seattle and Redmond on the Washington state mainland. The partners contrasted the 30 km/hour (19 mph) speed of the ferry with SkyBus’s anticipated 300 km/hour speed.

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