US electric aircraft manufacturer Eviation has temporarily stopped development of their Alice twin-engine electric aircraft.
Several news outlets in the USA have reported that Eviation has paused the Alice and laid-off most of the company staff.
Eviation is believed to be sitting on 600 orders for the aircraft valued at $US5 billion.
In November 2022, Alice Springs operator Northern Territory Air Services (NTAS) signed a Letter of Intent for 20 aircraft. DHL, CapeAir and Air New Zealand have also ordered Alices.
Singapore-based Clermont Group, the majority owner in Eviation, said it is still committed to the Alice but was seeking further investment from strategic partners before re-starting development.
Clermont also has holdings in magniX, the company developing the electric engines that are expected to power the Alice.
The Alice is a commuter aircraft designed to carry nine passengers 250 nm day VFR, powered by two 700-kW electric motors.
Eviation first flew the Alice technology demonstrator in September 2022, and had scheduled certification for 2027.