Odys Aviation

Headquartered in California, Odys Aviation (formerly Craft Aerospace) develops a hybrid-electric VTOL using hybrid-electric propulsion systems. The company claims that its hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft will possess the range necessary to cover 52% of existing domestic air routes in the US, as well as numerous international routes. The company is developing aircraft that can handle short-hop travel and international flights. 

Its hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft will be initially piloted until autonomous flights are certified, and has the capacity for nine passengers and two pilots. Its aircraft has the capacity to cover distances of up to 750 miles using a hybrid-electric propulsion system, and can travel at speeds up to 345 mph (~555 kmph). For journeys spanning up to 200 miles, the aircraft relies solely on the propulsion batteries, resulting in zero CO2 emissions. To extend the range to 750 miles, the aircraft incorporates a turbine engine that runs on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), ensuring sustainable and environmentally friendly operations. The Odys aircraft utilizes a blown-wing design for vertical takeoff and landing, employing a high-lift flap system instead of tilting wings or rotors to ensure precise control and generate significant upward thrust. Odys Aviation was scheduled to commence full-scale prototype test flights by late-2024, with type certification expected by late 2026. As of May 2023, commercial operations were anticipated to begin in 2027. 

Key customers and partnerships

In February 2023 , MintAir Co. LTD, an advanced air mobility (AAM) service provider in South Korea, signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Odys Aviation to purchase 30 of Odys’ aircraft to its fleet for regional air mobility operations in South Korea.

Funding and financials

In February 2022 , the company secured USD 12.4 million in a seed funding round with strategic investment from Giant Ventures, Soma Capital, 11.2 Capital, Countdown Capital, Uber Elevate’s co-founder, Nikhil Goel, and Cruise Automation’s founder, Kyle Vogt. The funds were to be used in the development of its unique VTOL passenger aircraft. Further, in May 2023 , Knighthood Global made an undisclosed investment in the company. James Hogan, chairman of Knighthood Global, and Camiel Eurlings, partner of the aviation, travel, and tourism advisory firm, will also join the advisory board of Odys Aviation as part of the agreement.