Staverton-based Skyborne Airline Academy has become the first UK pilot training school to place an order for Bye Aerospace's all-electric aircraft.

Producing zero CO2 emissions and using clean, renewable energy; six eFlyer 2 and four eFlyer 4 planes will be added to Skyborne's ever-growing fleet.

Bye Aerospace estimates the eFlyer will eliminate 5 million metric tons of CO2 generated every year during airline pilot training worldwide.

Lee Woodward, chief executive officer at Skyborne, said: "We are radically redefining every aspect of airline pilot training and that includes incorporating all-electric aircraft into our fleet as we invest in the latest technology for our trainees and staff.

"The eFlyers are great for the environment, economical to operate and have the right blend of avionic technology and handling characteristics required to train our future airline pilots.

"A significant reduction in global carbon emissions is the goal for most socially responsible organisations in our industry, and with the help of Bye Aerospace we aim to lead the way in the UK. It's vital for the next generation that we invest in measures to make flying more sustainable. Electric is the future of aviation."

George E. Bye, founder and chief executive officer at Bye Aerospace, added: "Skyborne is a pioneer of electric aviation in the UK and has been particularly resilient in their approach to flight training during the pandemic.

"Their ability to recognise and prepare for the benefits of electric aviation, while adjusting to the challenges presented by coronavirus, has been impressive."

The first two-seater eFlyer aircraft are expected to join the Skyborne fleet in autumn 2022, with the four-seater model following in 2023.