Sustainability In The Air

How LYTE Aviation’s 40-seater eVTOLs could disrupt the status quo

Sep 19, 2024

Freshta Farzam, the founder and CEO of LYTE Aviation, is revolutionizing the eVTOL industry with a focus on larger capacity aircraft. She discusses the inspiration for their 40-seater SkyBus, aiming to transform regional travel while challenging the trend of smaller air taxis. Farzam highlights the significance of hybrid propulsion systems and the potential for hydrogen fuel. She envisions partnerships that will integrate eVTOLs into existing transport infrastructure, paving the way for sustainable aviation in the future.

48:31

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Freshta Farzam

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Quick takeaways

LYTE Aviation's innovative 40-seater eVTOL aims to redefine regional travel by addressing inefficiencies with larger capacity options, instead of smaller models.

The hybrid propulsion system being developed combines turbine engines with hydrogen fuel cells, emphasizing a sustainable transition in aviation technology's future.

Deep dives

Hybrid Propulsion for Sustainable Aviation

A hybrid propulsion system is being developed for a 40-seater Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft, emphasizing the need for both practicality and efficiency. This system combines turbine engines with electric motors powered by hydrogen fuel cells. The decision to opt for hybrid technology stems from the current limitations of battery technology for such a large passenger capacity while preparing for a future transition to fully hydrogen-powered flights. By leveraging existing propulsion technologies along with emerging hydrogen solutions, the aircraft aims to meet market demands effectively.

Intro

3min

Disrupting the Aviation Market with a 40-Seater eVTOL

2min

Innovations in Sustainable Aviation

22min

Advancing eVTOL Development through Strategic Partnerships

2min

Innovating the Skies: The Future of eVTOLs

14min

Personal Preferences and Quirky Hobbies

2min

Embracing Experiments: The Path to Sustainable Aviation

3min

In this episode, we talk to Freshta Farzam, founder and CEO of LYTE Aviation, who shares the company’s innovative approach to developing a 40-seater eVTOL aircraft for regional travel and cargo transport.

Farzam discusses:

The inspiration behind LYTE Aviation’s focus on larger capacity eVTOLs, challenging the industry trend of smaller air taxis.
The company’s diverse eVTOL portfolio, which includes the 40-seat SkyBus, the SkyTruck for cargo, and a 19-seat version for business aviation.
LYTE Aviation’s target markets, including supplementing ferry routes and creating new regional air connections.
Why LYTE uses hybrid propulsion systems, combining turboprop engines with electric motors powered by hydrogen fuel cells.
The infrastructure requirements and partnerships necessary for high-capacity eVTOL operations, and how LYTE’s eVTOLs can transform global transportation in the next 10-15 years.

Farzam emphasises the potential of larger eVTOLs to disrupt regional transportation, and contribute to the aviation industry’s sustainability journey. She discusses the challenges and opportunities in developing new air routes and collaborating with existing transportation providers.

Looking to the future, Farzam envisions LYTE Aviation’s aircraft becoming a new norm in regional travel, potentially running on 100% hydrogen fuel.

If you LOVED this episode, you’ll also love the conversation we had with Bonny Simi, Head of Air Operations and People at Joby Aviation, who shares how Joby has become one of the leading players in the eVTOL space. Check it out here.

Learn more about the innovators who are navigating the industry’s challenges to make sustainable aviation a reality, in our new book ‘Sustainability in the Air’. Click here to learn more.

Feel free to reach out via email to podcast@simpliflying.com. For more content on sustainable aviation, visit our website green.simpliflying.com and join the movement. It’s about time.

Links & More:

LYTE Aviation

From retro inspiration to futuristic mobility: LYTE Aviation’s SkyBus - SimpliFlying

LYTE Aviation partners with Crisalion Mobility on last mile transport - Revolution.aero

LYTE Aviation sets sights on mass transit eVTOLs - Aviation Week Network

Joby wants to alleviate the pain and frustration of getting from home to your airline seat - SimpliFlying