Vancouver, BC, April 22, 2024 – Harbour Air, North America’s largest seaplane airline, today announced the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) with magniX, a global leader in electric aviation propulsion, to purchase 50 magni650 electric engines. This agreement marks a significant step towards Harbour Air’s ambitious goal of electrifying its fleet, and its commitment to sustainable aviation.
magniX will support the Transport Canada validation of its magni650 type certificate and assist in the certification work required for Harbour Air to obtain Canadian and American STCs (Supplemental Type Certificates) for installing the magni650 on the DHC-2 Beaver, with an option to extend their support to other aircraft platforms.
“We are excited to accelerate the adoption of electric aviation technology and further our journey towards a sustainable future”, says Bert van der Stege, CEO of Harbour Air. The agreement with magniX underscores our commitment to revolutionize commercial aviation with electric propulsion and to pave the way for cleaner, quieter, and more efficient air travel.”
A key element to the Harbour Air electrification vision is to develop a sustainable aviation hub on the west coast, providing electrification conversions and services to 3rd parties. This agreement helps solidify this vision by ensuring the supply of electric engines for our fleet as well as our customers.
“Electrifying Harbour Air’s fleet and future customers with magniX’s engines sets us on a course to define the future of regional flight,” said Riona Armesmith, Chief Technology Officer of magniX. “The many flights that the eBeaver has now completed with magniX’s technology are a signal that the electric age of aviation is here and bringing it to the marketplace is growing rapidly closer.”
Since announcing their partnership in early 2019, Harbour Air and magniX have been at the forefront of electric aviation. The successful maiden flight of the world’s first fully electric commercial aircraft in Richmond, BC, on December 10, 2019, marked a historic achievement in sustainable aviation. Harbour Air has since operated 78 successful test flights with its prototype.
“Harbour Air’s commitment to electrifying its fleet aligns with our province’s goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable transportation options,” said Rob Fleming, B.C.’s Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “This initiative, including providing electrification services to other companies, showcases British Columbia’s leadership in supporting innovative solutions that contribute to a cleaner environment and a greener economy.”
Harbour Air’s ambitious timeline targets the commercial certification of their first electric aircraft by 2026. Following certification, the company plans to convert additional aircraft within its fleet and offer third-party conversions to promote widespread adoption of electric aviation.
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About Harbour Air
Harbour Air is North America’s largest Seaplane airline. The company’s international seaplane service, which originally began in 1982 with two seaplanes, is now a quintessential west coast experience. With a fleet of 45 aircraft, Harbour Air offers up to 300 daily scheduled flights, scenic tours, adventure packages, and private flights. With 12 scheduled destinations connecting downtown Vancouver, Victoria, Seattle (WA), Nanaimo, Tofino, Whistler, Vancouver Airport/Richmond, Sechelt, Salt Spring Island, Powell River and Comox, B.C. Harbour Air transports around 500,000 passengers every year. For more information, visit www.harbourair.com
About magniX
Headquartered in Everett, Washington State, U.S., magniX is leading an era of sustainable aviation. magniX has developed a family of electric propulsion units (EPUs) and energy storage systems (ESS) for commercial aviation. With the industry’s highest energy density batteries and unparalleled electric engine performance, magniX is leading the aviation industry into a sustainable future. magniX is a subsidiary of the Clermont Group, an international business group headquartered in Singapore. For further information, please visit www.magnix.aero.
For media inquiries or further information, please contact:
Jessica Dunn
Head of Marketing & Public Affairs
Harbour Air
Email: jdunn@harbourair.com
MagniX Media Contact
Email: media@magniX.aero