Aerospace

Maeve Aerospace Unveils 80-Seat Hybrid Regional Airliner

Maeve Aerospace, a European aircraft developer, has announced the expansion of its operations to Oberpfaffenhofen Airport (Munich) and the introduction of a new hybrid-electric 80-seater aircraft.

This move is intended to accelerate work on the programme. With its regional jet performance and turbo-prop economics, the aircraft is built to support the growth of the regional aviation market in the future by providing a low-carbon, low-energy solution.

The M80, a hybrid-electric aircraft with 800 nautical miles (1482 km) of range, 40% increased energy efficiency, and no impact on infrastructure, is being developed by Maeve. Maeve has refined the aircraft concept to meet best-in-class requirements in terms of lead time, energy consumption, passenger capacity, and range.

The Maeve M80 is a revolutionary aircraft that combines the efficiency of a turboprop with the performance of a jet. With its newly integrated hybrid propulsion system and clean sheet design, the M80 significantly reduces mission energy and fuel consumption. Because of this, the M80 is the ideal substitute for turboprops and regional jets.

Maeve has a comprehensive integrated product development plan based on the knowledge and insights gained from multiple aircraft programmes and their industrial ramp-up, with an eye towards Entry-In-Service in 2031. Since a clean-sheet aircraft design like this calls for the greatest team in the business and a quick organisational ramp-up, a number of aviation professionals have joined Maeve for this next development phase. These specialists will work out of Maeve’s new location, which is close to Munich at the Oberpfaffenhofen Airport.

Aerospace

Boeing’s Aurora Flight Sciences Expands Columbus Plant by 50,000 Sqft

Credit:Aurora Flight Sciences

Aurora Flight Sciences, a subsidiary of Boeing, has launched a significant expansion of its manufacturing facility near the Golden Triangle Regional Airport in Columbus, Mississippi.

This ambitious project will add 50,000 square feet of new space, renovate 40,000 square feet of the existing facility, and introduce advanced automation equipment, robotics, and non-destructive inspection technologies. mcas boeing enhancements will support the growing demand for Aurora’s aerospace systems business.

Since its establishment, Aurora Mississippi has specialized in the production of advanced composite components and assemblies for both military and commercial aircraft. The company first opened in 2005 at Mississippi State University’s Raspet Flight Research Laboratory in Starkville before relocating to its current site in Columbus two years later.

Initially occupying 21,000 square feet, the facility has since grown to encompass over 120,000 square feet, featuring cutting-edge manufacturing technologies such as automated fiber placement. Aurora’s latest expansion is a strategic investment aimed at increasing production capacity for composite components like boeing titanium used in executive jets and the MQ-25TM Stingray composite skins, a key project for its parent company, Boeing.

Additionally, the facility will produce components for NASA’s X-66 sustainable flight demonstrator aircraft, further diversifying its portfolio. Currently employing around 100 full-time staff in Mississippi, Aurora plans to hire more than 60 additional team members by the end of 2025.

Aurora’s expansion project underscores its commitment to Mississippi’s growing aerospace and advanced manufacturing sector. The company maintains strong partnerships with Mississippi State University (MSU) and East Mississippi Community College (EMCC), contributing to research, higher education, and workforce development in advanced manufacturing.

Additionally, Aurora actively supports local K-12 STEM education through summer camps and collaborates with high school vocational education programs. The expansion and renovation project will be carried out in phases over the next two years, with completion expected by 2026. This development marks a significant milestone in Aurora’s ongoing growth and its role in advancing aerospace manufacturing in Mississippi.