Ajdovščina, Slovenia, 07 March 2024 – Pipistrel, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, today announced the completed production of its 100th Velis Electro, the world’s first type-certified electric aircraft, marking a significant milestone.
Velis Electro serial number (S/N) 100 has been delivered to valued customer Green Aerolease, a French sustainable aircraft rental business with ambitions to accelerate the environmental transition of the aviation industry across Europe through its turnkey rental service.
“The Velis Electro leads the journey towards more sustainable flight solutions, and the entry into service of S/N 100 is a notable achievement,” said Gabriel Massey, President and Managing Director of Pipistrel. “Powered by over 15 years of expertise in electric flight, this aircraft brings a more environmentally-friendly option to flight schools with unbeatable cost-efficiency.”
Green Aerolease has also taken delivery of its first Pipistrel Explorer, a versatile two-seat combustion engine aircraft capable of both day and night visual flight rules (VFR) operations. The additional purchase, also available for rental through Green Aerolease, demonstrates the company’s confidence in the manufacturer’s capabilities to deliver superior aircraft across the light sport category, specifically designed for the flight training market.
“The unrivaled efficiency and connectivity that aviation offers can be realized more quietly and sustainably thanks to aircraft such as the Velis Electro,” said Charles Cabillic, Founder of Green Aerolease. “We’re proud to support Pipistrel as it enables the transition to the future of flight.”
Velis Electro S/N 100 will be operated in Germany by Green Aviation Hub, a recently appointed German dealer for Pipistrel’s authorized distributor Finesse Max. The Velis Electro was certified by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in 2020 followed by numerous other regulatory agencies. The aircraft is currently in service in over 30 countries worldwide.
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In 2020, Pipistrel’s Velis Electro became the world’s first, and currently only, electric aircraft to receive full type-certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), and most recently received a light-sport aircraft airworthiness exemption from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This achievement followed a series of electric aircraft introductions since the company began research and development of electric propulsion in 2000. Pipistrel’s pioneering work has been recognized through awards from NASA, IDC, and other organizations. The company, which offers a family of gliders and light aircraft with both electric and combustion engines, has delivered more than 2,500 light aircraft worldwide since its founding in 1989 and additionally has both hybrid and electric propulsion models under development. Pipistrel is part of the Textron eAviation segment of Textron Inc. For more information, visit: www.pipistrel-aircraft.com.
About Textron Inc.
Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell, Cessna, Beechcraft, Pipistrel, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Arctic Cat, and Textron Systems. For more information, visit: www.textron.com.
About Green Aerolease
Green Aerolease is focused on accelerating the environmental transition of the aviation industry by facilitating the deployment and use of new sustainable aviation technologies. The company, which offers turnkey rental service to aviation operations, including air clubs, professional flight schools and airlines, has more than 30 aircraft operating across Europe. For more information, visit: www.greenaerolease.com.
Forward Looking Information Statement
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