Delta partners with Maeve on the development of a hybrid regional jet
Delta will partner with Netherlands-based Maeve Aerospace[1], a start-up developing a hybrid electric regional jet. Maeve says the aircraft will reduce fuel consumption and emissions by 40%. Maeve's MJ 500 jet is being designed to seat between 76 and 100 passengers, depending on whether the plane is configured with one or two cabins.
Under the partnership, Delta will offer operational expertise in support of the MJ 500's development. The jet's emissions reductions are to come from a hybrid-electric engine that provides electric power assistance during low-altitude operations. Maeve hopes to get its first jets into service by 2032.
Maeve was founded in 2021. A key major partner is MHI RJ Aviation Group, which was formed when Mitsubishi Heavy Industries acquired Bombardier's regional jet program in 2020. MHI RJ joined the Maeve project in 2023 after abandoning its own ambition to develop a regional jet.
Aircraft engine maker Pratt & Whitney is another key collaborator. The Maeve agreement is Delta's fifth partnership under its Sustainable Skies lab initiative, joining electric air taxi developer Joby, blended-wing aircraft developer JetZero[2], Boeing and Airbus[3]. Delta is Maeve's second major partner announcement this week.
Regional airline SkyWest said it has made an equity investment in Maeve and will assist Maeve during development.
SkyWest operates regional flights for Delta, American, United and Alaska airlines. Japan Airlines is also a Maeve partner.