Bye Aerospace, based in Englewood, Colorado (the USA), announced that Skye Aviation — an aircraft leasing company featuring all-electric airplanes — has completed purchase deposits for two additional eFlyer 800 aircraft and paid option agreements for a further three eFlyer 800s.
George E Bye, CEO of Bye Aerospace, said: “Skye Aviation is a bridge that provides access to the many benefits of this incredible aeroplane. A leasing solution provides an access and growth path for fleet operators to what might otherwise be a capital-constrained asset challenge.”
In July, Bye Aerospace announced that Skye Aviation — which has its headquarters in Denver, Colorado — had previously completed purchase deposits for 15 eFlyer 800s.
Carol Johnson, a Skye Aviation representative, said: “We are excited to add more eFlyer 800s to our portfolio which, in turn, offers our customers increased leasing options to serve a growing market. The transportation industry is witnessing a sea-change in travellers’ preferences for small-group on-demand urban-air-mobility options. In partnering with the Bye Aerospace team, we at Skye Aviation are able to offer options for placing low-operating-cost eFlyer aircraft into customer fleets and business models.”
Bye Aerospace announced the eFlyer 800 programme earlier in 2021, in response to growing demands for all-electric regional business airplanes, as these offer five-fold reduced operating costs compared to legacy turboprops, high speed and altitude, plus increased capacity and utility.
The eight seat eFlyer 800 twin turbo-prop category also has a best-in-class 65in-wide cabin for business transportation. A higher density 12-seat configuration is being studied for commuter operators, while an increase in motor rating to balance aircraft and payload weight increases is also being considered.
Bye Aerospace is in the process of obtaining FAA Part-23 certification for the eFlyer 2 for professional flight training, and the four-seat eFlyer 4 for air taxi, cargo and advanced training uses. The company currently has nearly 900 airplanes in its production backlog over its three models of eFlyer aircraft.