AviationNews – Montreal-based aerospace startup EVIO Inc. has officially emerged from stealth mode today, unveiling its clean-sheet EVIO 810, a hybrid-electric regional aircraft designed to transform short-haul connectivity. In a resounding vote of market confidence, the company simultaneously announced it has secured 450 conditional purchase agreements and options from two major undisclosed airlines, signaling strong industry demand for sustainable fleet replacements.
Backed by significant investment from Boeing, the EVIO 810 targets the vital 50-to-100-seat market, a segment currently dominated by aging regional jets and turboprops. The program aims to bridge the gap between current technology and fully electric flight, offering a practical solution for decarbonization without sacrificing range. The company has set a timeline for a first flight in 2029, with commercial entry into service projected for the early 2030s.
Technologically, the aircraft features a proprietary “strong hybrid” propulsion architecture developed in collaboration with Pratt & Whitney Canada. The design integrates four wing-mounted nacelles, each housing a PT6E turbine engine mated to an electric motor and battery pack. This system allows the aircraft to operate on pure electric power for taxiing and short-range segments, while reserving the turbines for cruise and range extension. This configuration is expected to drastically reduce fuel burn, emissions, and engine maintenance costs compared to traditional regional aircraft.
Michael Derman, CEO of EVIO, emphasized the strategic advantage of this approach during the launch event. “The complexity of our hybrid architecture is our ‘secret sauce’ and key competitive advantage,” Derman stated. “We have designed an aircraft that minimizes wear on the turbines and maximizes profitability for operators, attacking not just fuel consumption but the total cost of ownership.”
Looking ahead, EVIO faces the rigorous path of certification, but the massive initial order book provides the financial stability required for the development phase. As the industry races toward net-zero goals, the success of the EVIO 810 could set a new standard for regional mobility, potentially enabling new routes that were previously economically unviable.
The launch of the EVIO 810 marks a pivotal moment in the transition to sustainable aviation, combining proven engine reliability with next-generation electric efficiency. With substantial backing and a validated order book, EVIO is well-positioned to disrupt the regional market over the next decade.
