Subject: 💡 The Future of Flight is Electric!

A New Era in Aviation Awaits!

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Harbour Air’s Electric Beaver Flight Tests Continue with New Propulsion System

Advancing with eBeaver Program Despite Setbacks

Harbour Air, a renowned Canadian seaplane operator, is on track to receive the Magni650 electric motor by the end of the year. This motor will be installed on a second demonstrator of its electric De Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver, advancing the company’s ambitious eBeaver development program.


Shift to More Powerful Magni650 Motor

The transition to the Magni650 follows a previous setback revealed in 2023, which led the company to reassess its choice of the less powerful Magni350 motor. Originally, the company had planned to use the Magni350 for the certifiable aircraft. However, Harbour Air encountered issues with power control, prompting a switch to the more robust Magni650 engine.


Continued Efforts Toward Fully Electric Flights by 2027

Despite the challenges, Harbour Air remains committed to its goal of flying all-electric DHC-2 Beavers by 2027. Regulatory approvals and technological development are the primary obstacles. While the aircraft’s batteries currently provide about 200kWh of power, the company aims for 300kWh batteries to ensure sufficient flight time and reserve capacity for commercial use.


Overhauling Propulsion System for Better Performance

The company had initially removed the DHC-2 Beaver’s six-passenger Pratt & Whitney P-985 Wasp Junior piston engine and replaced it with a Magni500 electric propulsion system. After further evaluation, it became clear that a more powerful motor was necessary. Harbour Air will now install its first Magni650 in a second demonstrator and continue flight testing.


Significant Investment for the Future of Aviation

The development of the eBeaver project has not come cheaply. Harbour Air has already invested between $5-6 million into the program, with plans to spend an additional $1 million on batteries. However, the company maintains full support from its private-equity owner, Birch Hill Equity Partners, who sees the project as a long-term opportunity for growth and environmental responsibility.

Air India Delays 777 Retrofit Amid Supply Challenges

Production Constraints Delay Retrofit Plans

Air India’s initiative to upgrade the cabins of its older Boeing 777s has encountered setbacks due to production limitations with seat suppliers. The planned cabin upgrades, which include enhancements to both 777 and 787 aircraft, were initially scheduled to begin in early 2025. However, the airline has now stated that the 777 retrofits will only commence in early 2026.


Progress on 787 Upgrades Remains on Track

While the 777 retrofit is delayed, the first 787 will undergo its upgrade in April 2025, with additional 787s set for modifications each month. The first retrofitted 787 is expected to enter service in October, signaling the airline’s ongoing commitment to improving its fleet.


Interim Updates to 777 Interiors

As a result of the delays, Air India plans to refresh as many elements of the 777 interiors as possible in 2025, providing passengers with some updated features ahead of the full retrofit. This strategy aims to maintain customer satisfaction while the larger project is underway.


Widebody Retrofit Programme Details

Announced in September 2024, the widebody retrofit program will include the installation of new seating and entertainment systems across 40 787 and 777 aircraft. Despite the delays, the airline remains focused on enhancing the passenger experience with these planned upgrades.


Impact on Airline’s Flight Schedule

The delay in retrofitting has also led to adjustments in Air India’s flight operations. Flights between Mumbai and Melbourne will be suspended from 30 March to 13 September, and services between Kochi and London Gatwick will be suspended indefinitely.


Fleet Expansion Plans Continue

Despite the retrofit delays, Air India is moving forward with its plans to modernize its fleet. The airline placed significant orders in 2023, including 250 Airbus and 220 Boeing aircraft, as part of a broader strategy to upgrade its aging fleet. The airline also holds options for an additional 70 Boeing jets.

TODAY'S MEME

Air Baltic Readies for IPO Amid Lufthansa Partnership

Government to Retain Key Stake in Air Baltic

Latvia’s government intends to maintain at least a 25% share in Air Baltic as the airline prepares to open its capital to investors. The decision highlights the importance of retaining a strong connection with the carrier, especially considering Latvia's strategic position on Europe's periphery. While the airline will likely need to surrender some independence to attract investors, the government aims to ensure the company’s continued role in maintaining crucial air connectivity.


Lufthansa Deal Strengthens Air Baltic’s Position

The airline recently secured a strategic agreement with Lufthansa, which has agreed to take a convertible share in Air Baltic before the broader public offering. This partnership, set against the backdrop of ongoing European aviation consolidation, is seen as vital for the airline’s growth, especially as it looks to expand its connectivity within the Baltic region. Lufthansa’s involvement is expected to enhance Air Baltic’s operational capabilities, making it a key asset for the airline’s future.


IPO Preparations Near Completion

Air Baltic has nearly completed preparations for its initial public offering (IPO), with all necessary work already undertaken. While the timing of the IPO remains uncertain, it is expected to launch when market conditions are favorable. The airline aims to maximize the value of its listing, signaling that patience is crucial to secure the best possible outcome for investors and stakeholders.


Fleet Expansion and Operational Excellence

Despite challenges, including engine issues affecting its fleet of Airbus A220 aircraft, Air Baltic continues to impress with its operational excellence and punctuality. The airline recently welcomed its 50th A220-300, marking another milestone in its fleet expansion. Additionally, Lufthansa Cargo’s opening of a Riga connection demonstrates the deepening ties between the two carriers.


Political Neutrality Ensures Air Baltic’s Success

Air Baltic has maintained strong operational autonomy, even with Latvia’s ownership stake. The government has refrained from political interference, understanding the competitive and specialized nature of the aviation industry. This approach has enabled the airline to invest in new aircraft and expand its operations across the Baltic region, making it a leader in the European aviation market.

JetBlue Faces Lengthy Delays with GTF Engine Repairs

Grounding of Aircraft Due to Engine Inspections

JetBlue Airways has revealed that its Pratt & Whitney (P&W) engines, once removed for inspection and repairs, typically remain off-wing for about a year. The airline, long affected by widespread groundings of its A321neo fleet powered by PW1100G geared turbofan (GTF) engines, disclosed this information in a filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission.


Extended Delays Impact Flight Schedules

The airline anticipates that each engine will spend approximately 360 days in a service shop before returning to serviceable condition. This delay is causing significant operational disruption, as the airline has had to ground numerous aircraft for months at a time for GTF-related inspections.


Aircraft Groundings Expected to Increase

As the year progresses, JetBlue expects the number of grounded narrowbody Airbus jets to rise. Throughout the previous year, an average of 11 aircraft, including A321neos and A220-300s, were out of service for engine repairs. The number of grounded jets is anticipated to increase to the "mid-to-high teens" in the coming months, further straining the airline’s operational capacity.


Pratt & Whitney’s Ongoing Engine Recall

The GTF engine recall, initiated by Pratt & Whitney, requires operators to inspect engines for defects related to parts made from powdered metal. The inspections, coupled with other engine reliability issues, have led to widespread disruptions for operators of Airbus A320neo-family aircraft, A220s, and Embraer E190-E2s worldwide.


Disruptions to JetBlue’s Operations Continue

JetBlue has had multiple aircraft grounded due to a lack of available engines. The airline’s executives have indicated that the peak of its aircraft on ground (AOG) situation may not occur until within the next one to two years, further extending the operational challenges faced by the carrier.

Lilium’s Future Hangs in Balance as Insolvency Filing Delayed

Insolvency Filing Postponed Amid Financial Uncertainty

Lilium Aerospace, the electric air taxi company based in Munich, has delayed its insolvency filing after receiving indications that crucial investment could be secured in the coming week. The company had warned its staff earlier that failure to secure funding would result in an insolvency application, but the threat was temporarily averted.


Development of the Lilium Jet Affected by Financial Struggles

The progress of the Lilium Jet, an ambitious project aiming to revolutionize urban air mobility, has slowed significantly due to ongoing financial instability. The company has been in discussions regarding securing a bridging loan or other forms of emergency funding to keep operations running.


Staff Wait for Overdue Salaries

Employees are still awaiting January salaries, which were due at the end of the previous month. This delay occurred after promised investment did not materialize on time, exacerbating the financial strain. The company has acknowledged the issue and is focused on addressing these urgent payment concerns while seeking a long-term solution for its future.


Acquisition Efforts Underway as Part of Restructuring

Lilium Aerospace is also in the process of acquiring Lilium GmbH and Lilium eAircraft GmbH, both subsidiaries of Lilium NV. These entities were on the brink of closure before Christmas, and their acquisition forms part of a broader effort to stabilize the company’s operations and continue the development of its electric jet.


Financial Challenges Persist with Upcoming Payroll

Even if the investment materializes, Lilium Aerospace will face another financial hurdle with February salaries soon due. The company continues to explore various options for securing the necessary funding, although the final outcome remains uncertain.


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