Hybrid-electric aviation pioneer Ampaire has successfully closed a $19 million Series B funding round to advance its sustainable aircraft propulsion systems. The financing was led by DiamondStream Partners and included strategic backing from major industry players like Alaska Air Group and International Airlines Group. This capital injection is earmarked to accelerate the commercialization, manufacturing, and supply chain operations for the company's innovative retrofit technologies.
Strategic Backing from Aviation Leaders
The investment round highlights significant strategic validation from established aviation leaders, including International Airlines Group through its IAGi Ventures arm. Raza Ali, managing partner at IAGi Ventures, noted the company's practical approach to reducing emissions by applying its technology to aircraft already in service. This partnership builds on Ampaire's participation in IAG's innovation program, where it explored hybrid-electric solutions for auxiliary power units.
Alaska Air Group, through Alaska Star Ventures, also participated, underscoring the technology's potential for regional routes. Diana Birkett Rakow of Alaska Airlines praised Ampaire's pragmatic strategy, which avoids the need for new airframes or significant charging infrastructure. This approach is seen as key to improving both the economic and environmental performance of short-haul flights in the communities they serve.
Accelerating Commercialization and Certification
Ampaire will allocate the new funds toward several key operational goals to prepare for commercial scale. The company plans to expand its engineering and operational teams, strengthen supplier readiness, and develop its initial manufacturing capabilities. A primary focus will be advancing the certification programs for its AMP-H570 hybrid-electric power system and the Eco Caravan aircraft upgrade.
According to co-founder and CEO Kevin Noertker, this financing is about transforming proven flight performance into certified products and scaled operations. The company has already demonstrated its technology extensively, having operated the world's largest fleet of full-scale hybrid-electric aircraft. These aircraft have accumulated over 38,000 miles in test flights, providing a robust foundation for commercial deployment.
Proven Technology and Market Confidence
The company's flagship project, the Eco Caravan, has consistently shown a total fuel burn reduction between 54 and 57 percent in flight tests. This is achieved through its AMP-H570 integrated-parallel hybrid-electric system, which combines electric propulsion with conventional engines. The system is designed to preserve the range and payload utility essential for regional aviation while cutting costs and emissions.
Lead investor DiamondStream Partners expressed strong confidence in the company's market strategy and technological progress. Dean Donovan, a general partner at the firm, highlighted Ampaire's differentiated position, which pairs ambitious electrification goals with a practical certification path. This disciplined approach, combined with strong customer engagement, positions Ampaire to lead the commercial adoption of hybrid-electric propulsion.
This $19 million investment, which brings Ampaire's total funding to $68 million, represents a critical milestone in the journey toward sustainable aviation. The strong backing from both financial and strategic partners validates the company's pragmatic approach to decarbonizing the industry. Ampaire is now well-positioned to transition its proven technology from demonstration to widespread commercial application, heralding a new era for regional air travel.