Maeve and RTX’s Pratt & Whitney Canada to collaborate on hybrid-electric propulsion technologies for the M80 aircraft

Farnborough Air Show, UK, (July 24, 2024) – Maeve announced today it is collaborating with Pratt & Whitney Canada on the design of its M80 hybrid-electric 80-seater regional aircraft. Pratt & Whitney is an RTX business. 

“As a clean sheet design, the performance and efficiency of the Maeve M80 will be a game changer for the regional aviation market, combining advanced aerodynamics and a disruptive propulsion technology,” said Martin Nuesseler, Chief Technology Officer, Maeve. “Working together with Pratt & Whitney Canada at this stage of the programme will enable us to validate and optimize the design of the aircraft and hybrid-electric propulsion system, tapping into the full potential of this promising new technology.”

The M80 design aims to offer the performance of a jet and the cost efficiency of a turboprop. With a range of up to 1200 NM, the M80 aims to reduce fuel consumption and emissions by up to 40% relative to benchmark regional jets while cruising at comparable speeds and altitudes. Maeve is targeting Entry-In-Service in 2032 following a robust integrated product development plan based on the team’s experience and lessons learned from several aircraft industrial programs. 

“Reaching the ambitious goals of reducing emissions and making aviation more sustainable will depend on combined efforts to accelerate technology innovation and drive collaboration across our industry,” said Anthony Rossi, vice president, global sales and marketing, Pratt & Whitney Canada. “It’s in this spirit that we will collaborate with Maeve, leveraging our growing expertise in sustainable propulsion technologies, as well as our unrivaled experience powering the regional aviation market for four decades.” 

The regional aircraft market is forecasted to grow well into the next two decades, in particular driven by the need for larger aircraft passenger capacities in the 70-90 seat range, as well as better environmental performance. Maeve’s strategy is to access this underserved market with a clean sheet aircraft design that sets new standards in sustainability and economics.