Electric aircraft manufacturer Bye Aerospace says that the provisional order backlog for its eFlyer 800 twin-motor airplane has grown to include 135 purchase and option agreements. According to company CEO George Bye, it is aiming to certify and start deliveries in 2027, with plans to start flying a prototype in 2024.

In April 2021, Bye confirmed the launch of what had been called the Envoy aircraft, rebranding it as the eFlyer 800. It is expected to provide an electric-powered alternative to twin-turboprops such as Textron's King Air family.

The eFlyer 800—which the manufacturer claims will drastically reduce operating costs and noise and eliminate greenhouse gas emissions compared with conventional turboprops—will offer a 65-inch-wide cabin for business aviation applications. A 12-seat commuter variant with uprated motors is also under consideration.

Safran remains a supportive partner as Bye continues to assess the most efficient electric powertrain using the French engine maker’s Engineus electric motors and GeneusGrid electric distribution and network protection system.

“After two years of testing in Safran lab, we have validated all the key features and demonstrated the unrivaled performance of our Engineus 500,” said Hervé Blanc, executive v-p and general manager with Safran Electrical & Power. “This electric motor can deliver 750 kW maximum takeoff power, which is the perfect fit for the eFlyer 800.”

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