What Dovetail Electric Aviation does

Dovetail Electric Aviation is an early-stage electric aviation company that retrofits legacy regional turboprop aircraft—primarily the Cessna Caravan (208) and Beechcraft King Air—into zero-emission electric-powered platforms for commercial service. Founded in 2020 as a joint venture between Dante Aeronautical and Sydney Seaplanes, the company designs and integrates proprietary propulsion hardware, including the DovePower Electric Propulsion System (a 671 kW direct-drive electric motor with inverters and smart power distribution) and the DovePack aviation battery system (a high-voltage module using Molicel 21700 cells with novel dielectric immersion cooling via Engineered Fluids' AmpCool fluid). Dovetail targets Supplemental Type Certificate approval from EASA and CASA, with first flight of an all-electric Cessna Caravan targeted for H1 2027 and certification targeted for 2027.

The company generates revenue through one-time aircraft retrofit and conversion fees paid by operators and lessors, direct hardware sales of DovePower and DovePack, licensing of its battery technology to other electric aviation companies (e.g., Crisalion Mobility), and non-dilutive R&D grants from Australian, Spanish, and EU government programs. Its go-to-market is enterprise B2B, targeting regional airlines, cargo operators, leisure/seaplane operators, and special-mission operators across Australia, Spain, South Korea, and Norway—secured through direct airline-investor relationships (Rex, Air Nostrum, Volotea), a major lessor commitment (MONTE, up to 50 conversions), and a project-based sales motion delivered via industry events and bespoke engineering agreements. Key contracted pipeline includes 65+ aircraft conversions, supported by a technology stack spanning magniX motors, Molicel cells, Hartzell propellers, and HTWO hydrogen fuel cells.

Name

Dovetail Electric Aviation

Legal name

Dovetail Electric Aviation SL

Website

https://dovetail.aero

Company type

Private

Founded year

2020

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Electric Aviation Propulsion Systems

NAICS

Aircraft Manufacturing (336411), Engine, Turbine, and Power Transmission Equipment Manufacturing (3336), Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336413)

SIC

Aircraft Engines & Engine Parts (3724), Aircraft Parts & Auxiliary Equipment, Nec (3728)

akta.pro primary industry

Fixed-Wing Aircraft Conversion & Modification (STC/Completions) (IMABAAAI)

Keywords

• Electric aircraft propulsion
• Aviation battery systems
• Regional aircraft conversion
• Zero emission aviation
• Electric aviation retrofit

Headquarters

HQ city

Rose Bay

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Personnel, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Operations

Revenue model

1. Aircraft Retrofit / Conversion Fees: Dovetail retrofits or arranges retrofitting of existing turbine-powered aircraft (Cessna Caravan, Beechcraft King Air) with its proprietary electric propulsion systems. Revenue is generated through conversion fees charged to operators and lessors. Agreements in place include up to 50 conversion orders from MONTE, multiple conversions with Skydive Voss, and up to 10 conversions for MintAir in Korea.
2. Proprietary Hardware Sales (DovePower, DovePack): Sale of DovePower electric propulsion systems and DovePack battery systems as certified hardware to aircraft operators and potentially third-party aviation manufacturers (e.g., Crisalion for eVTOL battery packs). Hardware includes electric motors, inverters, battery modules, and power distribution units.
3. R&D Grants and Government Funding: Non-dilutive funding received from government bodies including: Australian Federal Government CRC-P grant (multi-million dollars), Victorian Government Invest Victoria support, Spanish CDTI Science and Innovation Missions Program (€5.5M project with Dovetail receiving ~€2.5M of its budget). Additional ICEX Innova Invest grant (€800K) pre-financed by CaixaBank.
4. Licensing of Technology to Third Parties: Dovetail offers its proprietary DovePack battery technology to other electric aviation companies — both eVTOL and eCTOL — for use in their platforms (e.g., partnership with Crisalion Mobility for Integrity eVTOL battery packs). May include long-term supply agreements for battery cells and systems.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Dovetail Electric Aviation retrofits existing regional turboprop aircraft (primarily Cessna Caravan 208 and Beechcraft King Air) into zero-emission electric aircraft. The company designs, certifies, and integrates its proprietary DovePower Electric Propulsion System and DovePack aviation battery modules, offering aircraft operators and lessors a conversion pathway to battery-electric and hydrogen-electric commercial flight.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• DovePower: Cutting-edge electric propulsion system (EPS) designed to transform regional aviation, featuring a 671 kW direct-drive motor, high-efficiency inverters, and smart power distribution unit, compatible with both battery and hydrogen energy sources.
• DovePack
• eCaravan

Products and services

• DovePower Electric Propulsion System (EPS) A fully integrated, proprietary Electric Propulsion System designed to replace conventional turboprop engines on regional CS-23 aircraft. Includes a 671 kW direct-drive electric motor, high-efficiency inverters, and a smart power distribution unit, compatible with both battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell configurations. Sold to aircraft operators and lessors as certified hardware for electric retrofit programs.
• DovePack Aviation Battery System A high-voltage, lightweight aerospace battery module using 21700 cylindrical lithium-ion cells with a unique dielectric immersion cooling technique, carbon fiber casing, and direct liquid cooling. Designed to meet DO-311A, DO-160, and ARP-7131 standards, with 96s4p configuration delivering 8.3 kWh nominal energy, 260-270 Wh/kg energy density, and 2,000 cycle life at 80% DoD. Sold to aircraft operators and third-party electric aviation companies for integration into electric aircraft platforms.
• eCaravan (All-Electric Cessna Caravan Conversion)

Quantifiable outcome

• Up to 40% reduction in operating costs compared to conventional turbine aircraft
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability1 record

Feature5 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Zeusch AviationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 July 2025Formalized at Paris Air Show 2025, partnership to develop hybrid-electric retrofit for Beechcraft King Air using DovePack and DovePower with turbogenerator range extender. Based on series architecture. Zeusch aims to become one of the first global operators to adopt certified hybrid-electric King Air conversions for medical, survey, and TV broadcasting missions.
• MolicelcoreTechnology or Integration · 26 June 2025Strategic collaboration with battery cell manufacturer Molicel to integrate advanced 21700 cylindrical cells into Dovetail's proprietary DovePack battery system. Supports certification roadmap: integration on retrofit flying platforms by end of 2025, full flight tests in 2026, certification in 2027 under EASA and CASA. Long-term supply agreement under exploration for DovePack production for internal and third-party aviation applications.
• Hartzell PropellercoreTechnology or Integration · 19 June 2025Collaboration to integrate Hartzell's advanced propeller and Pitch Control Unit (PCU) into Dovetail's DovePower Electric Propulsion System for CS-23 aircraft requiring over 500 kW of power. Hartzell's components become a core part of DovePower, enabling precise thrust and control for Dovetail's first electric Cessna Caravan prototype. Integrated testing scheduled for H2 2025.
• Engineered FluidscoreTechnology or Integration · 12 June 2025Strategic collaboration to develop next-generation immersion-cooled battery system using AmpCool dielectric fluid within Dovetail's DovePack. Validates immersion cooling as thermal management solution for electric aircraft. Testing conducted in Spain and Australia demonstrating thermal runaway prevention and thermal stability under stress conditions.
• AciturricoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 May 2025Aciturri (leading Spanish aerostructures supplier and engine components manufacturer) became lead investor in Dovetail's seed investment round Tranche 2 and key industrial strategic partner. Led CDTI Science and Innovation Missions Program project ('Sustainable hydrogen-electric propulsion technologies for next-generation aircraft') worth €5.6M, with Dovetail receiving ~€2.5M. Consortium includes ITP Aero.
• Skydive VosscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 22 October 2024Agreement to introduce electric aircraft for skydiving in Norway, converting several Cessna Caravans 208 and exploring Cessna 182 and 206 conversions. Target operational entry as early as 2026. Part of consortium with Scandinavian Seaplanes under International Test Arena for zero- and low-emission aircraft (Avinor/CAA Norway program).
• Crisalion MobilityminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 July 2024Collaboration to develop battery packs for Crisalion's Integrity eVTOL aircraft (up to 5 passengers + pilot). Dovetail provides prototype battery modules for functional and integration testing. Following certification, potential supply agreement for DovePack battery systems. Both companies exploring joint funding opportunities in Spain and EU.
• ITP AerocoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 March 2024Aerospace engine manufacturer ITP Aero is a partner in the CDTI Science and Innovation Missions Program alongside Aciturri and Dovetail, working on sustainable hybrid-electric propulsion technologies for regional aviation.
• EnergyLabminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 August 2023Selected for EnergyLab Climate Solutions Accelerator 2023 cohort. EnergyLab becomes Dovetail's fifth external investor alongside VentureCrowd and airlines Volotea, Air Nostrum, and Rex. 6-month accelerator program supports deployment of zero-emissions aviation solutions.
• HTWO (Hyundai Motor Group)coreTechnology or Integration · 21 June 2023HTWO (Hyundai's hydrogen fuel cell business brand) supplies hydrogen fuel cell system for Dovetail's electric aviation powertrain trials in Australia. Integrated with Dovetail's Iron Bird ground test rig and +250kW electric motor. Prior step to full-scale hydrogen-electric flight trials. HTWO's proven hydrogen technology applied to aviation context.
• magniXcoreTechnology or Integration · 24 February 2023Partnership with magniX enabled use of prototype magni250 electric motor (key enabler of magni350 and magni650 technology) in Dovetail's DTX0.5 Iron Bird ground test rig. magni350 and magni650 progressing to FAA Type Certification. magniX is a key electric propulsion technology supplier for Dovetail's initial conversions.
• MONTEcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 5 December 2022Formal partnership with MONTE (financier of zero-emission technologies in aviation) to deliver zero-emission conversions to regional turboprop market. MONTE purchases up to 50 aircraft conversions (battery-electric Cessna Caravan and hydrogen-electric King Air). MONTE targets carbon neutrality by 2027, becoming first carbon neutral aircraft leasing company.
• MintAir Co. Ltd.coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 27 October 2022Partnership to supply up to 10 turbine-powered aircraft converted to battery-electric and hydrogen propulsion for South Korean Advanced Air Mobility services. MintAir plans to enter cargo transport market first with Dovetail's electric aircraft. Dovetail converting aircraft using magniX electric motors.
• Scandinavian SeaplanesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorScandinavian Seaplanes named as a customer and partner, operating in Norway. Part of consortium with Dovetail and Skydive Voss under the International Test Arena program for zero-emission aircraft.
• Sydney SeaplanesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSydney Seaplanes is a strategic partner and aircraft provider (Cessna Caravan provided for Dovetail's first conversion), co-founding partner of Dovetail alongside Dante Aeronautical. Also research partner in CRC-P project.
• Sustainable Aero LabminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDovetail is a member of Sustainable Aero Lab, an accelerator/organization supporting sustainable aviation startups.
• Aviation Aerospace AustraliaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDovetail is a member of Aviation Aerospace Australia, the peak industry body for the aviation and aerospace sector.

Scale indicators15 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• magniX: MagniX develops electric propulsion systems (magni250, magni350, magni650) for aircraft. It is both a technology supplier to Dovetail (magni250 motor in Iron Bird rig) and a direct competitor, as its motors power other electric conversion programs (e.g., Eviation Alice, Harbour Air eBeaver) targeting the same regional aviation segment.
• Heart Aerospace: Heart Aerospace is developing the ES-30, a 30-seat hybrid-electric regional aircraft, and has raised over $200M from Breakthrough Energy Ventures, United Airlines Ventures, Air Canada, and SAS. It directly targets the same regional airline customer base that Dovetail serves, with a larger aircraft platform.
• ZeroAvia: ZeroAvia is developing hydrogen-electric powertrains for regional aircraft (10-20 seat class initially), with a hydrogen-electric Dornier 228 demonstrator and major backing from United, Alaska Airlines, and Bill Gates' BEV. It directly competes with Dovetail's hydrogen-electric King Air program for the same customer missions.
• Ampaire: Ampaire is developing hybrid-electric propulsion retrofits for regional aircraft including the Cessna Caravan (Eco Caravan) and is pursuing FAA STC. It is a near-direct competitor in the Cessna 208 retrofit space, with similar customer profile and certification pathway.
• Eviation Aircraft: Eviation is developing the Alice, a 9-passenger all-electric commuter aircraft, using magniX propulsion. It is targeting FAA Part 23 certification and competing in the same zero-emission regional aviation segment, though via new-build aircraft rather than retrofit.
• Universal Hydrogen: Universal Hydrogen is developing hydrogen fuel cell powertrains and modular capsule distribution for regional aircraft, including a Dash 8-300 conversion program. It targets the same regional airline decarbonization use cases as Dovetail's hydrogen-electric King Air retrofit.

Broad incumbents

• Pratt & Whitney Canada: Pratt & Whitney Canada is a leading manufacturer of turboprop engines (PT6A) that power the Cessna Caravan and King Air — the aircraft Dovetail is converting. As the incumbent propulsion supplier, it is the primary technology being displaced and may itself pursue electric/hybrid programs.
• Rolls-Royce Electrical: Rolls-Royce has an electrical propulsion division developing aerospace-grade electric and hybrid-electric systems, including for regional aircraft. As a major incumbent with deep regulatory and customer relationships, it represents both a potential competitor and a future strategic acquirer of companies like Dovetail.

Emerging players

• Surf Air Mobility: Surf Air Mobility is an electrified regional air mobility company pursuing Cessna Caravan electrified conversions via a partnership with Textron Aviation and has acquired hybrid-electric powertrain technology. It targets a similar regional airline/cargo operator customer base, though with a more vertically integrated airline operations model.

Others

• Air T: Air T holds a 20% stake in Dovetail and operates US-based turboprop freighter fleets (Cessna Caravan). It is both a strategic investor and a near-exclusive North American channel for Dovetail's Cessna Caravan conversions, making it an investor/partner rather than a direct competitor.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/dovetail-electric-aviation

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds2 records

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Dovetail Electric Aviation