Dutch startup Maeve Aerospace has unveiled a new 80-seater hybrid-electric aircraft design. 

Until now, Maeve Aerospace had been working on a 44-seater, fully electric concept, which it called Maeve01.  

With this announcement Maeve follows other aircraft developers in adopting a hybrid-electric approach to low carbon aviation rather than opting for a fully electric aircraft. 

Switching to hybrid-electric technology will push the expected entry into service back by two years to 2031. But in return, the new aircraft will not only double the capacity of the original Maeve01, but also its range, from 400 to 800 nautical miles (1,482 km).  

While hybrid designs are not emission free, Maeve claims the new aircraft, which is called M80, will consume 40% less energy than a traditional airliner. Its clean-sheet design and engine thermal optimization when operating at high altitude are also expected to contribute towards its energy efficiency. 

The startup sees this design as a potential replacement for both regional jets and turboprops. 

In addition to revealing its new aircraft model, Maeve also announced its move to Germany from where it will continue pursuing its development plans. The company has selected Oberpfaffenhofen, near Munich, as its new base for the location of its future production facility.  

Maeve expects to be able to draw from the local talent pool and industry ecosystem in Bavaria. The Munich area has become one of Europe’s main aerospace industry hubs, with a diverse array of companies ranging from Airbus and Deutsche Aircraft to startups and other emerging players in the sustainable aviation scene, such as electric aircraft developer Vaeridion. 

Dutch startup Maeve Aerospace has unveiled a new 80-seater hybrid-electric aircraft design. 

Until now, Maeve Aerospace had been working on a 44-seater, fully electric concept, which it called Maeve01.  

With this announcement Maeve follows other aircraft developers in adopting a hybrid-electric approach to low carbon aviation rather than opting for a fully electric aircraft. 

Switching to hybrid-electric technology will push the expected entry into service back by two years to 2031. But in return, the new aircraft will not only double the capacity of the original Maeve01, but also its range, from 400 to 800 nautical miles (1,482 km).  

While hybrid designs are not emission free, Maeve claims the new aircraft, which is called M80, will consume 40% less energy than a traditional airliner. Its clean-sheet design and engine thermal optimization when operating at high altitude are also expected to contribute towards its energy efficiency. 

The startup sees this design as a potential replacement for both regional jets and turboprops. 

In addition to revealing its new aircraft model, Maeve also announced its move to Germany from where it will continue pursuing its development plans. The company has selected Oberpfaffenhofen, near Munich, as its new base for the location of its future production facility.  

Maeve expects to be able to draw from the local talent pool and industry ecosystem in Bavaria. The Munich area has become one of Europe’s main aerospace industry hubs, with a diverse array of companies ranging from Airbus and Deutsche Aircraft to startups and other emerging players in the sustainable aviation scene, such as electric aircraft developer Vaeridion.