Montreal, December 12, 2025 – In a major shift for the regional aviation sector, EVIO Inc. has officially emerged from stealth mode to launch its EVIO 810 program. The Canadian aerospace company unveiled the 76-seat hybrid-electric aircraft yesterday, confirming it has already secured 450 conditional purchase agreements and options from two major airlines.
The program enters the market with significant industry validation, featuring investment and technical support from Boeing and a propulsion collaboration with Pratt & Whitney Canada.
A New Standard for Regional Mobility
The EVIO 810 is designed to address the urgent need for modern, sustainable solutions in the 50-to-100-seat regional market. As airlines retire aging turboprop and regional jet fleets, EVIO positions the 810 as a clean-sheet successor capable of restoring route profitability while drastically reducing emissions and noise.
The aircraft features a proprietary “strong hybrid-electric” architecture. This system allows the aircraft to operate in two distinct modes:
- All-Electric Mode: Zero-emission operations for short segments, taxiing, and takeoff.
- Hybrid Mode: Turbine-assisted flight for longer regional missions and range extension.
Strategic Partnerships and Technology
The propulsion system is being developed in collaboration with Pratt & Whitney Canada, utilizing the proven PT6E engine family integrated with high-voltage electric motors and batteries. This approach balances the reliability of established turbine technology with the efficiency of electric flight.
“We will leverage the proven performance and unmatched reliability of the PT6E engine to unlock new possibilities for aircraft fuel efficiency,” stated Scott McElvaine, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Pratt & Whitney Canada.
Boeing has also thrown its weight behind the project. “EVIO’s new hybrid-electric aircraft development is an example of the promising innovation in the country’s aerospace sector,” said Al Meinzinger, President of Boeing Canada.
Market Demand and Timeline
Industry analysts project a demand for over 7,500 new regional aircraft over the next 20 years to replace retiring fleets. EVIO aims to capture a significant portion of this market with an aircraft optimized for both passenger comfort and operator economics.
Program Milestones:
- Launch Date: December 11, 2025
- Projected First Flight: 2029
- Entry into Service (EIS): Early 2030s
- Current Order Book: 250 conditional orders + 200 options
Beyond commercial passenger travel, the EVIO 810 is designed with versatility in mind, offering configurations for cargo transport and defense missions, including intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR).
Why This Matters for Aviation
CEO Michael Derman emphasized that the hybrid design is not just about sustainability, but about survival for regional routes. By lowering operating costs, the EVIO 810 could make currently unprofitable short-haul routes viable again, reconnecting smaller communities to global hubs.
With 450 commitments already signed, the EVIO 810 is one of the strongest launches for a new aircraft program in recent history, signaling that the industry is ready to move from electric concepts to commercially viable hybrid solutions.