Slovenian aircraft manufactuer Pipistrel will develop a 19-seat hybrid-power aircraft especially for the Chinese general aviation market.
Pipistrel announced the new project at the China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in Zhu Hai on 2 November.
According to Pipistrel, the aircraft is targeting zero emissions using a hybrid of electric technology and hydrogen low-temperature polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells.
The aircraft will target the public transport sector for cities particularly in China, but extended to markets all over the world.
Pipistrel made the announcement as part of a Memorandum of Understand made with Sino GA Group to set-up a joint venture in China to manufacture electric aircraft, in particular the Alpha Electro and Panthera Hybrid models. The new plant is expected to turn out more than 500 aircraft per year.
The new partnership has been valued at more than EUR 350 million, and will give Sino GA exclusive rights to the Alpha Electro and Panthera Hybrid in Asia.