Elysian Aircraft, KLM, and Transavia are launching a knowledge-sharing initiative to accelerate battery-electric aviation development. Elysian is developing the E9X, the first battery-electric aircraft designed to carry 90 passengers with a range of 800 kilometers.
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This technology promises cleaner and more efficient transportation, particularly for shorter flights between regional airports worldwide. According to Elysian, successful development requires more than technical innovation alone.
In a series of joint workshops, the partners will explore technological, operational, and commercial requirements for deploying electric aircraft like Elysian’s E9X. This initiative marks a significant step toward emission-free aviation.
The series of workshops unite experts across disciplines, including aircraft designers, maintenance specialists, network planners, and revenue managers. Together, they address key challenges in maximizing electric aviation’s potential. The airlines contribute vital operational and commercial insights that will shape the electric aircraft’s design, development, and market implementation.
As an airline, Transavia feels responsible for actively contributing to innovation in aviation sustainability. The collaboration with Elysian aligns with existing initiatives, such as fleet renewal and the use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF).
Transavia brings valuable expertise in maintenance, operations, and customer experience to the table. While some proposals—such as having aviation personnel perform battery swaps—proved impractical, new insights emerged. One notable discovery was the potential to open routes to destinations where passenger demand is too low to justify larger aircraft.
KLM acknowledges that emission-free flying cannot be achieved overnight. In collaboration with industry partners, the airline is researching flights powered by electricity, hydrogen, and hybrid fuels. Jolanda Stevens, Zero Emission Aviation Program Manager at KLM, has been a member of Elysian’s advisory board since April 2024.
In the coming months, the partners will continue working on concrete use cases, route analyses, and passenger propositions. The joint ambition is not only to build a more sustainable aircraft but to design a complete ecosystem around it.
