Electric flight pioneer LUCY brings aviation icon Rono Dutta (ex-United Airlines and IndiGo) on board: "Confirming our vision for the future"

Amsterdam, 16 March 2023 - LUCY, the Dutch startup that aims to be the first airline in Europe to operate electric commercial flights, announces the arrival of Rono Dutta as chairman of its Board. Founder & CEO Teun Kraaij is thrilled, noting: "Rono's arrival strengthens our commitment to emission-free aviation. His support is an important driver in the development of LUCY, and in charting the future of sustainable aviation." ​ 

Aviation leader Rono Dutta has built an impressive career in the industry. Dutta was the President of United Airlines, where he worked for 17 years holding multiple executive positions. He has served as President of Sahara Air Limited and as a strategic advisor to Air Canada, USAirways, Hawiian Airlines and AAR Corporation. In January 2019, he became CEO of Indian airline Indigo (InterGlobe Aviation Limited), a position in which he was succeeded by Pieter Elbers (ex-KLM) last September.

"Transforming aviation on a more sustainable path is likely to come from ambitious innovators and disruptors like LUCY. I’m excited to join them on the road towards emission-free aviation", says Dutta. ​ 

"LUCY aims to lead the charge toward zero-emission aviation in Europe. Rono Dutta is the right person to help drive LUCY forward with the aim of developing smart, sustainable mobility solutions", states Kraaij. ​ He believes Dutta's extensive aviation experience and commitment are important for LUCY’s growth: "It is key to be connected to the existing industry. In aviation things only really happen through collaboration. Change in aviation can be slow… but then again, electric cars have become the norm in almost no time at all." ​ 

“LUCY wants to make regional travel better for people and better for the planet, bringing together intuitive technology and emission-free flying. I am proud to be able to contribute to this unique concept", Dutta said. 

Future plans 

LUCY has recently secured its base operations at Eindhoven Airport, Eindhoven, and intends enter into service as early as 2025, believing that it is time to slash emissions for short distance, regional travel in Europe. 

LUCY believes that fast, enjoyable, sustainable travel across Europe is possible. “Our job is to facilitate the transformation,” says Kraaij. ​ 

Since last year, airline Transavia has been investing in LUCY.

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