The world’s first hybrid-electric business aircraft was recently unveiled at the Singapore Air Show in February 2018. The high-speed 10-seater Starling Jet is capable of vertical take-offs and landings—just like a helicopter—and can reach speeds of up to 724 kilometres per hour (450 miles per hour). Developers at the UK-based technology start-up SAMAD Aerospace hope that the eco-friendly jet will be operational by 2024.
For business and humanitarian needs
Who needs an airport when you can take off anywhere? (Credit/Samad Aerospace)
Hybrid engines mean the Starling Jet emits less C0² emissions. At higher cruising altitudes, the diesel turbofan engine propulsion will kick in, but it will be fully electric during take-off and landing, and during flights over urban areas. The jet is expected to travel distances of up to 2,400 km (1500 miles), more than SAMAD’s fully electric UAV Starling (480 km) and the e-Starling (640 km).
Our dream is to revolutionise the way humans and goods fly around the world. Imagine a transportation that is safer than a car, completely flexible, as eco-friendly as an electric vehicle, less time-consuming than any plane or train and as luxurious as a private jet.
— Seyed Mohsenim, CEO of Samad Aerospace
The Starling Jet could also be used for emergencies or disaster relief, where traditional aircraft may be unable to land or take off. The jet can take off and land anywhere, travel at great speeds and provide business travel that is luxurious and comfortable.
This could very well be the future of travel. Up, up and away!
But wait … maybe Uber will get there faster?
Written By: Adriane Rysz