Three-Way Aviation Alliance Begins Work to Make 90-Seat Electric Aircraft a Reality
(IN SHORT) Elysian Aircraft, together with KLM and Transavia, has initiated a collaborative workshop series to accelerate the deployment of battery-electric aviation. Focusing on Elysian’s 90-seat E9X—capable of 800 km range—the partners will pool expertise in engineering, operations and commercial strategy to ensure viable electric services on regional routes. Transavia contributes real-world operational and maintenance insights, while KLM integrates pilot feedback and supports a multifaceted zero-emission agenda. Key goals include defining charging and turnaround processes, assessing route economics (including low-demand feeders), and crafting a seamless passenger journey. Over the next months, the consortium will refine use cases, map out viable corridors and shape the future ecosystem for emission-free flight.
(PRESS RELEASE) AMSTELVEEN, 2025-Jun-13 — /Travel PR News/ — Elysian Aircraft, in partnership with KLM and Transavia, today launches a collaborative knowledge-sharing program designed to fast-track the emergence of battery-electric aviation. Through a series of joint workshops, the three organizations will jointly examine the technical specifications, operational workflows and commercial models required to introduce electric airliners such as Elysian’s pioneering E9X. This effort represents a major stride toward achieving emission-free flight.
The centerpiece of this initiative is the E9X, the first all-electric aircraft engineered to transport 90 passengers over distances up to 800 km. While the aircraft’s advanced battery and propulsion systems are crucial, Elysian emphasizes that successful deployment hinges on in-depth cooperation with airlines, airports and network planners. “True innovation in aviation requires hands-on collaboration with operators and ground partners,” said Daniel Rosen Jacobson, Co-CEO of Elysian. “Through these workshops, we’re uncovering not only the technical demands but also the passenger-experience criteria and route economics—discovering, for example, that electric services on busy short-haul corridors like Amsterdam–London can rival even high-speed rail.”
Experts from aircraft design, maintenance, route planning and revenue management will contribute insights into optimizing turnaround procedures, charging infrastructure and passenger comfort. Transavia brings practical operational know-how, building on its commitments to fleet renewal and sustainable aviation fuels. “Electrification is a critical pathway to greener air travel,” said Oliver Newton, Lead Sustainability & Innovation at Transavia. “By testing concepts such as battery swaps and low-demand feeders, we’re refining approaches that could unlock routes unsuitable for larger jets.”
KLM, meanwhile, views the partnership as one element of a broader zero-emission roadmap encompassing electric, hydrogen and hybrid solutions. Jolanda Stevens, KLM’s Zero Emission Aviation Program Manager and Elysian advisory board member, highlighted the importance of pilot feedback: “Crews bring invaluable perspectives on energy management—especially when balancing dual power sources on board. Their input is shaping cockpit procedures and training for next-generation aircraft.”
Over the coming months, the consortium will develop concrete use cases, evaluate potential regional routes and craft tailored passenger propositions. “Our ambition extends beyond building a clean aircraft,” Jacobson added. “We aim to redefine air travel for the 21st century—rethinking everything from check-in to in-flight experience to make flying more sustainable, efficient and enjoyable.”
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SOURCE: KLM
