JetSuite Orders Up to 100 Zunum Aero Hybrid-Electric Aircraft
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APEX Insight: A more efficient and environmentally friendly approach to aviation is on the horizon. JetSuite has ordered up to 100 of Zunum Aero’s hybrid-electric aircraft, which is scheduled to enter the market in 2022.
JetSuite will be the launch customer for Zunum Aero’s hybrid-electric aircraft, which is currently in development. The Irvine-based charter operator this week placed an order for up to 100 of Seattle-based Zunum’s regional aircraft.
Zunum, which is backed by Boeing HorizonX and JetBlue Technology Ventures, said it expects to bring its aircraft to market in 2022. The hybrid-electric jets will have capacity for up to 12 passengers, but will likely carry just nine, the current limit under US Federal Aviation Administration rules for airplanes with one pilot.
“JetSuite, with its tradition of shifting paradigms in aviation, is an ideal partner for us in this launch collaboration,” Zunum Aero CEO Ashish Kumar said. “We have a shared vision for fundamentally transforming and improving the way that people live and travel.”
JetSuite will be able to operate on routes of up to 1,000 miles, at a maximum flying speed of 340 miles-per-hour.
JetSuite expects to receive one aircraft per month during the first two years of deliveries. Using Zunum’s hybrid-electric aircraft, JetSuite will be able to operate on routes of up to 1,000 miles in distance, at a maximum flying speed of 340 miles-per-hour.
The company estimates it will save 80% in fuel costs on Zunum-operated flights. The aircraft will initially be used for JetSuite’s private jet charter service, but the carrier plans to later use the aircraft on its JetSuiteX service, its subsidiary public charter air carrier that operates flights between California and Nevada.
“At JetSuite and JetSuiteX, we appreciate the boldness required to change the status quo, and we see it in spades at Zunum. We share Zunum’s vision for hybrid to electric aviation,” said Alex Wilcox, JetSuite’s CEO.”With this partnership, we expect to bring more efficient and environmentally friendly aviation solutions to our private and semi-private jet customers.”
Logan Jones, managing director at Boeing HorizonX, also expressed excitement about the deal. “In short order, Zunum and JetSuite will prove out a model that is incredibly innovative,” he said. “We look forward to seeing the impact of a partnership between two exciting companies in aviation.”