Textron eAviation loans Pipistrel Velis Electro to Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum for Display

Textron eAviation loans Pipistrel Velis Electro to Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum for Display

Wichita, KS, USA – 23 July 2024

Textron eAviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, today announced it will loan a Pipistrel Velis Electro aircraft to the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, one of the United States’ most popular museums.

The Velis Electro, manufactured by Pipistrel, part of the Textron eAviation business segment, is the world’s first type certified electric powered aircraft, having received certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in 2020, and light-sport aircraft airworthiness (LSA) exemption from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in March 2024. The Velis Electro, on loan for the next three years, will be showcased in an upcoming exhibition at the Museum’s location in Washington, D.C.

“We celebrate the National Air and Space Museum’s commitment to shaping the future of aviation through innovative collaborations and educational initiatives,” said Kriya Shortt, President and CEO of Textron eAviation. “This contribution represents a major milestone in actively promoting sustainable aviation technology to educate the next generation of aviators, while also strengthening our position as leaders in reducing the industry’s impact on the environment.”

Roger Connor, a curator at the National Air and Space Museum added, “As we endeavor to tell stories about innovations occurring right now in aerospace, Textron eAviation’s loan of a Pipistrel Velis Electro allows us to explore the topic of sustainability efforts in aviation.”

The Pipistrel Velis Electro is scheduled to go on display at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum next year.

For the original article, visit https://www.pipistrel-aircraft.com/textron-eaviation-loans-pipistrel-velis-electro-to-smithsonians-national-air-and-space-museum/.