Brazil’s Flapper eyes electric Cessna 208s by 2024

Flapper, a Brazilian on-demand charter broker, has signed an agreement with US-based magniX to acquire up to 20 magni650 electric engines and install them on Cessna (single turboprop) C208 Caravans.

The companies are targeting 2024 for the launch of commercial electric-powered C208 operations in Brazil. Flapper will assist magniX with planning, reviewing, and coordinating all aspects of the certification processes, including providing technical advice and conducting certification flights. The broker said that lower-cost electric aircraft would be able to renew services to some of about 150 airports in Brazil that have lost scheduled connectivity over the last 50 years.

Currently, Flapper uses Cessna 208 turboprops for passenger charters in the state of Sao Paulo, as well as for cargo operations across Latin America. However, the company does not have its own air operator’s certificate and instead charters capacity from various Part 121 and Part 135 operators. Flapper did not respond to ch-aviation’s request for comment on whether it would seek its own AOC ahead of the induction of electric C208s or if they would also be subcontracted to third-party operators.

magniX electric engines debuted in aviation in 2019, when Harbour Air Seaplanes (YB, Vancouver Coal Harbour) test operated a battery-powered AL!DHP Beaver seaplane. The Everett-based start-up is also cooperating with Sydney Seaplanes (Sydney Rose Bay), which plans to electrify its fleet of amphibious C208s by 2024. Isla Air Express (Palma San Bonet) in Spain is also cooperating with Dante Aeronautical and magniX.