A Dutch aircraft manufacturer is racking up orders for its battery-electric regional air mobility (RAM) design.
Electron Aerospace, the maker of the 100 percent electric Electron 5, on Thursday announced an undisclosed but “significant” number of aircraft orders from business aviation provider Air2E and private air taxi operator Hopscotch Air. The companies signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) committing to explicit payment schedules.
Air2E operates primarily in Germany, not far from Electron’s headquarters in the Netherlands. Hopscotch is licensed to fly in the U.S. and Canada. According to Electron, the fresh orders bring the company’s sales pipeline to an estimated $213 million.
“Securing orders from two pioneers in the regional air mobility sector like Air2E and Hopscotch Air affirms the market fit of our Electron 5 aircraft,” said Marc-Henry de Jong, co-founder and chief commercial officer of Electron.
Electron’s flagship aircraft is the zero-emission Electron 5, designed for one pilot, four passengers, and their luggage. The firm anticipates first deliveries in 2028 following certification with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in 2027. Beyond passenger and cargo transport, Electron says the aircraft could be used for pilot training and medical evacuation.
Compared to traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) aircraft, Electron 5’s twin-engine, battery-electric-drive system can slash operating costs by more than half, the company says. The propulsion system also limits noise to around 55 dB, quieter than a vacuum cleaner.
“The reduced operating costs of the Electron 5 will allow us to significantly broaden our customer base, providing more affordable and accessible air travel alternatives,” said Andrew Schmertz, CEO of Hopscotch.
Electron says its aircraft is optimized for “short intra-European hops.” With current battery technology, it has a maximum range of about 466 sm (405 nm) and top speed of 188 knots at 10,000 feet, making it ideal for regional flights, such as between New York City and Washington, D.C.
According to the company, aircraft with the same mission profile in the U.S. and EU typically have a range less than 311 sm (270 nm), more in line with Electron 5’s operating range of 310 sm.
An updated Electron 5 design, revealed in March, deploys some biomimicry and is inspired by the albatross, which is considered to be one of the most efficient flying animals on earth.
“Taking inspiration from the albatross, our Electron 5 features an aerodynamically efficient body, robust wings, and windows that mimic the bird’s vigilant eyes,” said Alexander Klatt, head of design at Electron.
One newly added feature is an easily accessible cargo door, which the company says is “unheard of” for an aircraft of Electron 5’s size. The cargo door allows the aircraft to accommodate up to four passengers or 1,100 pounds of cargo. In addition, the manufacturer claims Electron 5 has the largest windows in its class. These wrap around the aircraft to provide 180-degree views for the pilot and passengers.
Electron has stated Europe will serve as its primary market. So far, the firm has an agreement with the Netherlands’ Twente Airport (EHTW) to launch zero-emission flights in 2027. It claims it will be able to fly passengers from Twente to London, Paris, or Berlin within two hours.
Electron also has a strategic partnership with South Korea’s Mint Air, which placed an order for ten Electron 5 models and intends to become an operator and official reseller in the country.
With Hopscotch now getting in on the action, it appears North America will serve as another future market.
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