Kona aircraft. Source | Natilus

Remote and northern aviation services company Nolinor Aviation (Montreal, Canada) has made an agreement with Natilus (San Diego, Calif., U.S.), an aerospace manufacturer development composites-intensive blended wing body (BWB) aircraft (read “Natilus challenges the Boeing-Airbus duopoly”). The agreement reserves production positions for multiple Kona aircraft, a regional cargo freighter currently under development and designed to operate on gravel and unpaved runways. 

The Kona aircraft, developed in compliance with Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) and Canadian Aviation Regulations (CAR), features a state-of-the-art turboprop configuration. The aircraft offers a 3.8 metric ton payload capacity and can operate on unpaved runways as short as 800 meters. Its efficient design — 80% CFRP and 20% metallic —  is reported to reduce fuel consumption by 30% compared to conventional aircraft and delivers a range of 900 nautical miles, making it an ideal solution for remote and isolated regions.

“During our visit to Natilus’ head office in San Diego last fall, we were impressed by their approach to aircraft design and their dedication to addressing the unique challenges of the cargo industry,” explains Marco Prud’Homme, president of Nolinor Aviation. “The Kona’s gravel runway capability is a match for our operations, and we are eager to leverage its potential to better serve our customers across Canada and beyond.”