The quest for greater efficiency on current airline platforms has driven an alliance between Tamarack Aerospace and SkyAlps, an Italian airline. Under the terms of the letter of intent signed by the parties, Tamarack will provide its Eco-SmartWing active winglet system to install on the SkyAlps fleet of de Havilland “Dash 8s,” as the popular Q400 model is known.
SkyAlps operates the fleet out of Bolzano Airport (LIPB) into the southern Tyrol region of the Alps, lending the company its name. By using the twin turboprop de Havilland Q400s, SkyAlps already offers a 50 percent reduction in carbon footprint for its flights over competitors using regional jet platforms. The implementation of the SmartWing technology will further improve efficiency by 7 to 8 percent. The Dash 8s will also see performance improvements along with the noise reduction, and lower fuel burn and emissions.
The two companies came together at the Paris Air Show on Monday to confirm details of the deal. SkyAlps is in growth mode, acquiring four more Q400s this summer, and an additional eight aircraft over the course of the next year, and two more to follow—bringing its total fleet count to 14 units. Following the initial installations on SkyAlps aircraft, Tamarack will take the SmartWing certification to the market, which consists of roughly 400 flying worldwide.
Broader Implications of the Deal
Significant delegations from the U.S. government are attending the Paris Air Show, and endorsing the opportunities that across-the-pond collaboration can generate. Among them was Congressman Sam Graves (R-Mo.), who currently serves as chair of the congressional Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. He’s also a pilot and in a position to understand the nuances of the deal. Graves commented on the Tamarack and SkyAlps deal, agreeing that it has far-ranging implications.
“This letter of intent between Tamarack Aerospace, a U.S. aviation technology thought leader and SkyAlps—also an aviation visionary—is a powerful example of U.S. and other companies working together to meet the world’s sustainability goals,” Graves said.
At a press conference at the show, Tamarack Aerospace CEO Nick Guida said, “We’re going to take the Q400—which is an amazing aircraft—and make it more efficient and with less of a carbon footprint.”
