Ascendance Flight Technologies, the French start-up specializing in low-carbon aviation, has opened its order book. It has received its first purchase intentions from operators in the US, Asia and Europe for a total of 245 units of Atea, its five-seat hybrid-electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft. These Letters of Intent (LOI) confirm the sector’s interest in the hybrid technology, endurance and versatility of the aircraft. Atea is a low carbon alternative to the helicopter, intended for regional use, and will go into production in 2025.
The company reports in a press release that “hybrid-electric technology and distributed propulsion: for Ascendance Flight Technologies, are technical choices which are the safest and fastest solution to move towards a new, cleaner and more sustainable air mobility. They are the centre pieces to its strategy and the development of its high-performance solutions dedicated to a new generation of aviation: Atea, a multi-use hybrid-electric aircraft and Sterna, its patented modular hybrid propulsion system.
“As both aircraft and engine manufacturer, Ascendance Flight Technologies designs solutions in response to the concrete expectations of the aviation industry’s players and users. This aim is reflected in the design and architecture of Atea, which has convinced demanding customers across three continents. The Letters of Intent registered today reflect the suitability of Ascendance solutions to the operational needs and business model of players with varied profiles: helicopter operator, air carrier, aircraft charterer or cargo specialist. While further negotiations are still underway, Ascendance is pleased to announce that 6 companies have signed LOIs for 245 Atea. Located in Europe, the United States and Asia, they cover several areas of activities:
EVFLY (SINGAPOUR) – FLYSHARE (USA/CALIFORNIA) – HELIFIRST (FRANCE) – JET SYSTEMS HELICOPTÈRES SERVICES (FRANCE) – PHILJETS GROUP (PHILIPPINES) – YUGO (SINGAPORE).”
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(Image: Ascendance Flight Technologies)