SkyWest backs Maeve Aerospace to become launch customer for new hybrid-electric aircraft
September 16, 2025
Innovative European startup company Maeve Aerospace has signed an agreement with SkyWest to become an equity investor and the launch customer of the hybrid-electric MAEVE Jet.
SkyWest, the holding company of SkyWest Airlines, is the world’s largest regional airline.
With a fleet size approaching 500 regional jets, mainly Bombardier CRJ variants and Embraer 175s, the airline covers North America on behalf of American Eagle, United Express, Delta Connection and Alaska Airlines, carrying 42 million passengers in 2024.
“Today marks a significant milestone in regional aviation as we collaborate with SkyWest to bring the MAEVE Jet to life,” said Martin Nuesseler, Maeve Aerospace Chief Technology Officer.
“This investment, made by the largest regional airline in the world, not only validates our vision but also establishes a partnership that supports the development of the MAEVE Jet by providing important input from an operator to generate a real impact in the market and for more sustainable air travel. Together, we are redefining the future of regional connectivity.”
Why is SkyWest partnering with Maeve?
Maeve’s aircraft design has evolved in recent years. From an all-electric high-wing propeller-driven aircraft with eight engines to the twin hybrid electric engine M80 in 2023, and now to its current form – the MJ 500 MAEVE jet, a 76 to 100-seat, rear-engined, hybrid-electric open-rotor regional aircraft.
Financial terms of the equity deal have not been disclosed, but SkyWest is understood to be investing more than just money. The airline has committed to providing input into design, performance, and operations during the development phase, giving the developers important real-world feedback from an airline that could, in theory, become one of its most important clients.
The partnership and announcement of ‘launch customer’ status for SkyWest implies that the airline will take early deliveries of the new aircraft, once certified. Should that come about, it could provide SkyWest with a much-needed new technology replacement for its ageing CRJ fleet.
According to Planespotters data, SkyWest’s 138-strong CRJ-700 fleet averages over 20 years of age, with some of the oldest examples 25 years old or more. Its 57 CRJ-900s are, on average, younger, although some individuals are more than two decades old.
SkyWest has already ordered more Embraer E175s, but will be looking ahead to the next technology aircraft. Embraer shelved its plans for an E175-E2, leaving airlines reliant on small regional jets with an older technology model. While the MAEVE Jet might be some years away, it’s a hope for SkyWest and a more efficient future fleet.
For a startup like Maeve, securing SkyWest as a launch customer is a powerful vote of confidence.
The company markets its MAEVE Jet as the first clean-sheet regional jet to be introduced in over 20 years. It promises a hybrid-electric regional aircraft that will let airlines cut fuel burn and CO₂ emissions by up to 40% with conventional fuel, and up to 95% when partnered with Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
MHI RJ Aviation Group is also partnering with Maeve Aerospace
Also teaming up last year with Maeve Aerospace is MHI RJ Aviation Group, a Canadian-based subsidiary of MHI (Mitsubishi Heavy Industries).
MHI are no stranger to the world of regional jet design, with its subsidiary Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation having developed the SpaceJet. The aircraft first flew in prototype form in November 2015, but ultimately the project ended during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The scope clause also had an effect, as it limits regional jets to 76 seats and a maximum takeoff weight of 86,000lb to protect mainline pilot jobs. This was a key reason the Mitsubishi MRJ SpaceJet failed in the US market. Maeve avoids this pitfall by designing its aircraft to remain within scope clause limits, making it a viable option for regional carriers.
Whilst there is no timeline yet for certification or entry into service for the MAEVE Jet, the market for hybrid-electric airliners is heating up, with competition from California-based Heart Aerospace.
Although the Heart ES-30 design is considerably smaller and slower, with only 30 seats, they do have 250 orders from customers such as United, Mesa Airlines, and ES-30 launch customer Air Canada.
