Among the heated aviation debate of hydrogen against biofuels, a new (middle-ground) option emerges as Maeve Aerospace introduces the Maeve M80, a hybrid-electric aircraft claiming to combine jet-like performance with turboprop efficiency. The company pushes its clean sheet design and integrated hybrid propulsion system as groundbreaking, promising substantial reductions in fuel consumption. According to Maeve Aerospace, the M80, an 80-seater, aims to outshine both regional jets and turboprops in terms of cost and performance. The design aims to compete with the regional jet and the De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400 replacement market – although companies like ZeroAvia are retrofitting Dash 8s with electric powertrains so they won’t become extinct any time soon. The company anticipates the M80’s maiden flight by…