Ampaire has begun real-world hybrid-electric flight operations in Utah under the state’s uFLY programme, part of the FAA and Department of Transportation’s eIPP initiative. The company is using an Ampaire EEL, a modified Cessna 337 Skymaster, on regional missions between Salt Lake City and Cedar City, moving the aircraft from demonstration flying into operational service.
The programme includes a ferry flight from Long Beach to Salt Lake City before the Utah test legs, using existing airports and infrastructure rather than new charging facilities. Ampaire’s near-term aim is to learn from early operations in the state before introducing the Eco Caravan in later phases for wider cargo and passenger use.
The route is designed to assess hybrid-electric performance over meaningful regional distances in mountain terrain and high-density-altitude conditions that are central to western US flying. The Utah operation is intended to show whether hybrid-electric aircraft can support repeatable regional missions rather than isolated technology showcases, a key step toward commercial cargo and short-haul passenger services.