SkyWest announced this week that it is partnering with a European aerospace firm developing a next-generation regional jet.
The Utah-based company, which serves as the corporate parent of SkyWest Airlines and SkyWest Leasing, said Monday that it entered into a strategic agreement as an equity investor in Maeve Aerospace. Maeve is developing a more fuel efficient, 50 to 100-seat passenger aircraft known as the Maeve zJet, or the MJ 500, and as part of the deal, SkyWest will have exclusive launch customer rights.
The company expects to “lend Maeve its extensive operations, performance, and design expertise” through the development of the Maeve Jet. Maeve has said that the aircraft could be ready for its first flight in 2029 or 2030, but no firm date has been established.
“SkyWest is committed to leading our industry forward, and we’re pleased to invest in Maeve as the leading edge of technological, sustainable advancements for regional aviation,” SkyWest President and CEO Chip Childs said in a news release.
Financial details of the agreement were not disclosed.
New ‘Milestone’
Maeve, which is co-headquartered in Germany and the Netherlands, is developing the Maeve Jet in collaboration with Montreal-based MHI RJ Aviation Group. The aircraft is expected to have a top speed of Mach 0.75 and a range of between 950 nautical miles (when carrying 90 passengers) and 1,450 nautical miles (when carrying 76 passengers).
The company has made sustainability a major focus of its operations and says the Maeve Jet’s two hybrid electric engines will reduce fuel consumption by 40% when using conventional jet fuel and by up to 95% when burning sustainable aviation fuel, also known as SAF.
“Today marks a significant milestone in regional aviation as we collaborate with SkyWest to bring the Maeve Jet to life,” said Maeve CTO Martin Nuesseler in a statement. “This investment, made by the largest regional airline in the world, not only validates our vision but also establishes a partnership that supports the development of the Maeve Jet by providing important input from an operator to generate a real impact in the market and for more sustainable air travel.”
Maeve has also partnered with Japan Airlines and Pratt & Whitney Canada on development of the Maeve Jet.
