Venturi Aviation startup to build a 44-seat electric passenger plane

Dutch start-up Venturi Aviation wants to conquer the world from 2030 onwards with a revolutionary, fully electrically powered aircraft for 44 passengers. The Echelon 1, as the type is called, was unveiled at Teuge Airport. The airport in Gelderland is home to the Dutch Electric Aviation Centre (DEAC) and the E-Flight Academy.

The call for an electric passenger plane with a capacity of 44 passengers and a range of 550 kilometres is great, according to the initiators. The Echelon 1, which will be 38 metres long and 36 metres wide, will have no fewer than eight electric motors driving propellers and is intended for short distances. The flight range of 550 kilometres means that approximately fifteen percent of all existing European scheduled flights can be performed with this type. According to Venturi Aviation, flying electrically means that no harmful substances are emitted into the air and on the ground, which makes a concrete contribution to reducing the nitrogen problem around Schiphol.

On the other hand, electric flying also has a big disadvantage: the battery capacity. It is necessary to refuel frequently (and for a long time). The idea is to provide the Echelon 1 with an interchangeable battery. This way, when a newer, lighter and better battery is available, the aircraft can be upgraded quickly. By the time the Echelon 1 flies commercially, Venturi Aviation wants to install fast charging stations at numerous airports, so that the aircraft can be provided with a full battery in 35 minutes.