Wedoany.com Report-Oct. 15, Horizon Aircraft has signed an agreement to use Pratt & Whitney Canada’s PT6A engine for its hybrid-electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, the company announced on Tuesday. The PT6A engine, which powers thousands of commuter, agricultural, and business aircraft worldwide, will be integrated into Horizon’s Cavorite X7 model.

The logo of Pratt & Whitney is seen in front of a F135-PW-100 fighter aircraft engine during a media presentation at the Swiss Air Force base in Emmen, Switzerland March 24, 2022.

Based in Canada, Horizon Aircraft is developing the Cavorite X7 as a hybrid eVTOL capable of carrying up to seven passengers and traveling as far as 800 kilometers. Unlike U.S. air mobility firms such as Joby and Archer Aviation, which are focusing primarily on fully electric air taxis, Horizon is pursuing a hybrid-electric design aimed at improving range, reliability, and operational efficiency.

Chief Executive Officer Brandon Robinson told Reuters: “Hybrid aircraft offer operational advantages over all-electric designs, including using warm air from the engine for de-icing and cabin heating.” He added that the aircraft’s battery array can recharge en route within minutes, allowing for a full charge during the landing phase.

Horizon plans to produce the Cavorite X7 for a range of customers, including emergency services, defense organizations, and commercial operators. The company said the aircraft’s combination of electric propulsion and turbine power provides flexibility for various mission profiles, especially in regions with limited charging infrastructure.

The Cavorite X7 project aims to achieve certification and enter production before 2030. Horizon expects the aircraft to play a role in the growing market for advanced air mobility, offering a balance between the environmental benefits of electric propulsion and the extended range of conventional engines.

Pratt & Whitney Canada, a subsidiary of U.S.-based RTX Corporation, will supply the PT6A engine, known for its proven performance and versatility across multiple aircraft types. The collaboration is expected to help Horizon advance its testing and certification timeline while ensuring the aircraft meets international aviation standards.

Industry analysts note that the eVTOL sector is becoming increasingly competitive as companies work to secure approvals, establish supplier partnerships, and prepare for commercial operations. Hybrid models such as the Cavorite X7 may offer an early advantage in market readiness, given current battery limitations affecting all-electric aircraft.

Horizon Aircraft currently has a market capitalization of about $150 million, based on Monday’s closing price, according to data compiled by LSEG. The company continues to expand its strategic relationships with global suppliers and investors to strengthen its position in the evolving urban and regional air mobility market.

In a related development, reports indicate that China’s leading automaker BYD is considering Spain as a top candidate for its third manufacturing facility in Europe, reflecting its commitment to expanding production capacity to serve the regional market.