TriFan 600 is a Versatile VTOL Aircraft with a 700-mile Range, Revolutionizing Air Travel with Innovative Capabilities and Efficiency.
Mesa Air Group has officially confirmed its provisional commitment to acquire a potential total of 100 units of XTI Aerospace’s TriFan 600 VTOL aircraft. Mesa initially received the XTI Warrants in February 2022 in connection with entering into an Aircraft Purchase Agreement with XTI. This commitment signifies Mesa Air Group’s strategic move into the realm of vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) technology in collaboration with the Colorado-based start-up, XTI Aerospace. The TriFan 600 platform boasts versatile capabilities, including vertical takeoff, conventional runway takeoff, or short runway takeoff, facilitating operations from helipads, airports, or any suitable surface without necessitating new infrastructure or airspace regulations.
Equipped with vertical takeoff and landing capabilities, the TriFan 600 is anticipated to offer a range of 700 miles, which is twice the range of most helicopters and seven times the range of most battery-only VTOL aircraft currently in development. Projected to cruise at a speed of 345 miles per hour, the aircraft will be powered by two turboshaft engines, operable on 100% sustainable aviation fuel. XTI Aerospace intends to continually assess hybrid-electric or all-electric propulsion options as technology advances, regulatory frameworks are established, and charging infrastructure evolves.
Jonathan Ornstein, Chairman, and CEO of Mesa Air Group said “We are pleased to support XTI Aerospace as it seeks to bring an unprecedented level of versatility to commercial and private aviation, Passengers in urban environments and smaller or rural communities across the United States that Mesa had served historically have been relatively disadvantaged by larger jets, which need substantial infrastructure and obligate passengers to find last-several-miles’ transportation, and by other expensive options like helicopters, which are limited by the distances, speeds, and altitudes that they can fly. One opportunity of particular interest is the Essential Air Service markets, in which Mesa was a large participant. XTI Aerospace is working on not just a future solution, but one that is expected to be more efficient than existing business-jet or vertical take-off-and-landing (VTOL) alternatives.”
XTI Aerospace is the parent company of XTI Aircraft Company (XTIAircraft.com), an aviation business based near Denver, Colorado, currently developing the TriFan 600, a fixed-wing business aircraft designed to have the vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capability of a helicopter, speeds of 345 mph and a range of 700 miles, creating an entirely new category – the vertical lift crossover airplane (VLCA).
Jonathan Ornstein, Air chairman and CEO, Mesa, added, “Our position in XTIA enhances our commitment to the next wave of innovation in the regional aviation industry, We look forward to providing the XTI Aerospace team with our understanding of regional and local air markets and knowledge of commercial aviation dynamics, Along with XTI Aerospace, we are pleased with our holdings in Archer Aviation, Inc. and Heart Aerospace Incorporated and ventures like REGENT and Elroy Air. Mesa is proud to be an early investor in these companies as they gain momentum with customers, regulators, and the investment community and achieve milestones toward commercialization.”
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Mesa Air Group is a prominent regional airline holding company, primarily operating under the brands Mesa Airlines and Go Mokulele. The company provides regional air services for major carriers such as American Airlines and United Airlines, with a fleet mainly composed of regional jets.
Q: What are the key features of the TriFan 600 VTOL aircraft?
A: The TriFan 600 provides versatile takeoff capabilities, facilitating operations without new infrastructure or airspace regulations.
Q: Why is Mesa Air Group partnering with XTI Aerospace?
A: Mesa Air Group aims to enhance aviation accessibility and efficiency through its collaboration with XTI Aerospace in VTOL technology.
