Natilus and MONTE Announce Partnership to Offer Leasing of Kona Regional Blended-Wing-Body Aircraft

SAN DIEGO (April 11, 2024) – Natilus, a U.S. aerospace company developing next-generation blended-wing-body aircraft, has announced a strategic partnership with MONTE Aircraft Leasing (MONTE), the pioneering zero-emissions regional turboprop aircraft lessor. MONTE will provide leasing and financing options for the Kona aircraft to Natilus customers, making the path towards sustainable aviation more attainable.

This collaboration between Natilus and MONTE will accelerate the adoption of eco-friendly air transportation solutions while meeting the increasing demand for efficient cargo transport services. Natilus’ commitment to innovation and sustainability is evident in its development of next-generation blended-wing-body aircraft, designed for optimal fuel efficiency and reduced environmental impact.

MONTE’s decision to offer leasing and financing solutions for the Kona aircraft underscores its dedication to driving positive change within the aviation sector. By incorporating the Kona aircraft into its leasing portfolio, MONTE empowers businesses to embrace sustainable practices while achieving their logistical goals.

“We are thrilled to partner with MONTE to make our Kona aircraft more accessible to customers,” said Aleksey Matyushev, CEO and co-founder of Natilus. “This collaboration represents a significant step forward in our mission to revolutionize the cargo transport industry with innovative, environmentally friendly solutions.”

The Kona aircraft, developed by Natilus, will be the first commercially available aircraft from the company, leveraging the superior blended-wing-body design and providing more than double the cargo volume compared to traditional airplanes of similar size. The Natilus Kona is significantly more efficient than tube-and-wing aircraft, enabling customers to reduce their operating costs by more than half. The aircraft is also ideally suited for hydrogen-electric propulsion, providing a clear path to a zero-emission future in aviation.

“The Kona is a unique aircraft, which has been developed specifically to optimize air cargo operations,” said Timothy Eyre, Chief Operating Officer of MONTE. “We are delighted to partner with the Natilus team to support the Kona aircraft and the regional cargo market. The opportunity to integrate hydrogen electric propulsion systems into the aircraft is strongly aligned with our strategy to decarbonize regional aviation”.

Natilus and MONTE are poised to transform the air cargo industry through their shared vision of sustainability and innovation. By offering leasing and financing solutions for the Kona aircraft, they are paving the way for a greener, more efficient future of air transportation.

For more information about Natilus and the Kona aircraft, please visit https://natilus.co/.

To learn more about MONTE and its commitment to sustainable aviation solutions, please visit https://www.montecleantech.com/