Safran has signed an agreement to supply smart motors to a leading developer of all-electric aircraft.

The aerospace engine and components firm, which has a base at Staverton, will equip Bye Aerospace with the ENGINeUS motors for the eFlyer 2 and eFlyer 4 aircraft.

Safran Electrical & Power said the engines will "deliver very high performance" with an optimised air-cooling system integrated into the aircraft.

Hervé Blanc, executive vice president and general manager of the power division at Safran Electrical & Power, said: "Safran is extremely proud to collaborate with Bye Aerospace, which has developed a strong vision for the future of electrical flights.

"This new contract demonstrates the success of our ENGINeUS product line and confirms the strong interest of the market in our approach to further increase the electric powertrain performance while simultaneously progressing the certification and production system readiness."

Denver-based Bye Aerospace said the eFlyer will eliminate the release of millions of tons of carbon dioxide each year for flight training.

Chief executive George E Bye said: "Bye Aerospace concluded Safran's ENGINeUS 100 smart electric motor is the optimal production solution to meet the requirements of our rigorous FAA and EASA certification schedules for eFlyer 2 and eFlyer 4.

"Our list of future eFlyer purchase agreements, currently at 711 units, continues to grow, and we must continue forward at a high-tempo pace to meet the demands of aviation enthusiasts worldwide who have been waiting years for all-electric airplanes to come to market."