Odys Aviation, a sustainable aviation company building hybrid-electric vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft and Fiji Airways, Fiji's National Airline, today announced that the companies have signed an Expression of Interest letter for Odys Aviation’s runway-independent hybrid VTOL cargo aircraft. Pilot programs using these aircraft are expected to commence in 2025.

Odys Aviation’s ‘Laila’ aircraft is designed in multiple configurations for cargo and, with up to a 400-mile range, will connect all of Fiji’s 330 islands. Flights operated via these aircraft provide a low-carbon air cargo alternative for routes across the South Pacific and will open up new emergency medical routes that have, until now, been inaccessible because of infrastructure challenges. Further, operating Odys’ Laila aircraft will allow Fiji Airways to expand its commercial landscape and open up contracts with logistics and government agencies to support NGO operations across the region.

The news follows Odys Aviation's recent announcement of a partnership with Honeywell, under the terms of which the two companies will collaborate on the design of new Ground Control Stations to support the rollout of Odys Aviation’s hybrid VTOL aircraft in the Pacific using Laila aircraft, with pilot programs expected to kick off in 2025.

“There’s no doubt that the era of sustainable aviation is upon us and through our partnership with Odys Aviation, Fiji Airways is strengthening its focus on reducing aviation emissions and defining a roadmap to serve the next generation of travelers,” said Andre Viljoen, CEO of Fiji Airways. “This partnership will do more than just expand Fiji Airways’ commercial operations for today; it will drive our investment in the future of travel and lifestyle for the people of Fiji as well.”

“Our philosophy at Odys is to work in partnership with our customers and the regions in which they operate to deliver value beyond just aircraft. We’re thrilled to announce this EOI as the start of our collaboration with Fiji Airways and we’re looking forward to working with their team, the local authorities and the people of Fiji to drive the transition to sustainable aviation, and to realize the benefits of a more connected ecosystem across the region,” said James Dorris, CEO and Co-Founder of Odys Aviation.