Pipistrel working on a hydrogen-powered commuter plane

Aircraft manufacturer Pipistrel is working on the development of a hydrogen-powered commuter aircraft that can seat up to twenty passengers. It's currently in the process of finalizing the design as well as the business case.

The aircraft, dubbed the Miniliner will be able to operate from (unpaved) runways shorter than 1,000 meters and has a projected range of up to 1,000 kilometers. According to Pipistrel, these aeroplanes have the potential to disrupt aerial mobility, connecting currently unserved populations, but also catering for microfeeder services from small airports to large hubs.

The manufacturer aims for an EIS (Entry into Service) of 2028-2030, as the proposed concepts are geared towards not requiring large infrastructural investments. To overcome current challenges on the regulatory, operational, and technological domains, Pipistrel is engaging with Europe’s Clean Aviation, SESAR, and EASA, as well as setting up multiple industry partnering initiatives.

If the project proceeds, it will mean a big step for Pipistrel as the company currently only builds two-seater aircraft as well as gliders.

Illustration by Pipistrel.