World most efficient regional aircraft details revealed by Tamarack Aerospace and SkyAlps

Paris Air Show became The place where Tamarack Aerospace and SkyAlps revealed more details about common project of to develop the world’s most efficient regional aircraft by offering an upgrade package for the DeHavilland Dash 8. SkyAlps intends to make a global impact on aviation sustainability by offering a highly modified DeHavilland Q400 regional aircraft. 

Congressman Sam Graves (R-MO) Chair of the congressional Transportation & Infrastructure Committee and a pilot was on hand at the Paris Air Show as leadership from SkyAlps airline and Tamarack Aerospace revealed more details about their plans. Congressman Graves said the Tamarack and SkyAlps deal has far-ranging implications, “This Letter of Intent between Tamarack Aerospace, a US aviation technology thought-leader and SkyAlps also an aviation visionary, is a powerful example of U.S. and other companies working together to meet the world’s sustainability goals. Congress encourages relationships like the one featured today by Tamarack and SkyAlps so the world understands how innovative like-minded aviation operations can reduce their carbon footprint while providing an improved sustainable and safer flight experience for passengers and the global aviation industry.”

Tamarack CEO Nick Guida commented: “We are delighted to join SkyAlps in this important LOI and appreciate Congressman Graves recognition of the possibilities of our game-changing sustainable technology for the SkyAlps fleet and other airframes that can be upgraded in the future.” 

Josef Gostner head of FRI-EL GREEN POWER and owner of SkyAlps said: “The Q400 is a proven platform and as we look at the lifecycle emissions impact of increasing our fleet around the world the obvious answer is to upgrade an existing platform with a terrific track record.The improved efficiency on top of the lifecycle emissions impact combined with increased use of SAF are a trifecta that cannot be seen in anything offered and we are proud to lead the path to a more sustainable aviation future.”

We had the opportunity to clarify some additional questions discussing with Tamarack CEO Nick Guida and SkyAlps CEO, Alex Spinato:

Q. How did the partnership between Tamarack and SkyAlps started? Who came up with the idea?

A.S.SkyAlps saw the performance and sustainability solutions Tamarack has proven in a global fleet of more than 180 Citation Jet upgrades and King Air demonstration aircraft and approached Tamarack to create a deal and relationship offering better climb, more range, fuel savings, emission reductions, and ride smoothing for their airline and its customers.

Q. You (Tamarack ) are adding one more aircraft type to already tested and proven efficiency of technology on Cessna Citation and King-Airs, what are challenges?

N.G. We carefully optimize the aerodynamic design to customize each aircraft model based on our testing and research. We conduct a very careful and thorough certification process with EASA or the FAA, depending on jurisdiction. The technology is applicable to a wide range of aircraft but our concerns are the same for all applications, we concentrate on function, payload, flight efficiencies and safety.

Q. How long will it take to modify DeHavilland Q400 aircraft so that it can be flown, and the data collected for certification?

N.G. We want to be flying the protype within the year and have the aircraft certified within two years or less.

Q. Why it was important for SkyAlps to start this project with Tamarack Aerospace?

Both companies researched each other’s businesses and management and decided we would be a great fit for a collaboration. SkyAlps leadership has demonstrated experience with launching companies with a sustainability focus. The partnership with Tamarack will allow SkyAlps to be flying the world’s most sustainable regional aircraft in service, which is important for the environment and industry.  Collaborating and upgrading the SkyAlps’ fleet with Tamarack technology demonstrates SkyAlps leadership in aviation for what can be done: to have an environmentally sustainable and economically sustainable airline.

Q. Do you plan to proceed with your (SkyAlps) private jet modifications with Tamarack technology?

A.S.Yes. The Tamarack upgrades for the growing SkyAlps fleet are important, and from a sustainability standpoint, offering the upgrade to the global fleet of other operators. SkyAlps intends to upgrade its M-2 with the Tamarack Smartwing Active Winglet technology. SkyAlps has complete faith in that technology for all of its aviation needs.

SkyAlps already offers per-flight carbon emissions that are nearly 50% of competing flights, according to Google Flights, which offers estimations of CO2 emissions for almost all airline traffic.The Tamarack upgrade will be ‘world changing’ given the combination of efficiency increases of 7-8% along with additional range for the aircraft and important takeoff safety improvements.

SkyAlps fleet – expected to be fourteen aircraft within two years - will be upgraded with new cockpit avionics offering weight savings and operational efficiencies for better fuel-savings using SAF when available and employing sustainable and the most efficient route planning, along with Tamarack’s Eco-SMARTWING technology reducing fuel consumption as much as three times as outdated traditional winglets in use now. New Q400 aircraft interiors will be installed featuring weight savings and unsurpassed passenger comfort.

Tamarack upgrades are already operating on over 180 Cessna CitationJets providing up to 33 percent fuel savings and range increases under optimum conditions and the upgrades are also featured on two King Air demonstration aircraft.