SpiceJet partners with Natilus – the aircraft of the future | News
Natilus, an American aerospace manufacturer of blended-wing-body (BWB) aircraft founded in 2016, today announced that it has entered the Indian market in partnership with SpiceJet. In line with the ethos of encouraging sustainability and innovation in the aviation space, SpiceJet has committed to working with Natilus to help the company become certified for India. Once certified, SpiceJet plans to purchase 100 aircraft. Natilus’ newly established subsidiary – Natilus India – will be headquartered in Mumbai and led by Ravi Bhatia, Regional Director, to support operations in the country.
Domestic air travel represents the largest and fastest growing segment in the Indian travel market, increasing 10.2% year-on-year. Natilus sees plenty of opportunity to expand in India as airlines will need more than 2,200 new aircraft by 2040 to meet demand. Natilus India will prioritize the expansion of Natilus’ family of BWB aircraft into the Indian markets and will position Natilus to explore sourcing manufactured components from India. Natilus is currently pursuing Part 25 certification for HORIZON through the FAA and is working with the Indian Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for HORIZON certification in India.
“In line with our commitment to encouraging innovation and sustainability in aviation, SpiceJet is proud to support Natilus in the development of this next-generation aircraft. Once certified, the HORIZON, with its efficiency and compatibility with existing airport infrastructure, could be a good fit for our future fleet,” said Ajay Singh, Chairman and Managing Director of SpiceJet.
HORIZON is a mixed-wing passenger aircraft with a high-capacity configuration that can carry 240 passengers. HORIZON’s innovative aerodynamic design provides airlines like SpiceJet with 40% more interior space, while reducing fuel costs by 30%, CO2 emissions by 50% and operational costs by 50%. On the path to widespread commercial adoption, Natilus is in discussions with all major global airlines, lessors and integrators, with a commercial order book exceeding 570 aircraft to date.
“As an airline at the forefront of embracing technological innovation, SpiceJet is the ideal customer for HORIZON as we aim to meet the needs of the underserved Indian market,” said Aleksey Matyushev, CEO of Natilus. “With our new subsidiary, we look forward to exploring partnerships with leading Indian OEMs and bringing innovative new aircraft to valued customers like SpiceJet.”
Following the debut of Natilus’ cargo aircraft, KONA, before the end of this decade, HORIZON is expected to enter the market in the early 2030s.
