#United States #San Diego #Natilus #KONA #Mylène Scholnick

Mylène Scholnick Joins Natilus Advisory Board

Natilus, an innovative U.S.-based aerospace manufacturer specializing in blended-wing-body (BWB) aircraft, has made headlines with the appointment of Mylène Scholnick to its Advisory Board. A formidable figure in the aviation sector, Scholnick previously served as the Head of Global Fleet Management at Amazon Air. Her role will be pivotal as Natilus gears up to launch its next-generation regional cargo aircraft, KONA, later this decade.

Scholnick's extensive background spans over 25 years in various leadership roles across aerospace and global operations. She played a critical role in scaling Amazon’s fleet from 36 to 115 aircraft across multiple markets including North America, Europe, Canada, and India. At Amazon, she directed procurement strategies and managed significant transactions, setting the groundwork for innovative aircraft and engine programs.

In her new position at Natilus, Scholnick will provide strategic guidance crucial for the commercial rollout of KONA, a regional freighter designed to revolutionize air cargo economics by increasing efficiency and lowering costs. This aligns with the growing demand among air freight operators for sustainable aviation solutions. The KONA aircraft promises a remarkable 30% reduction in fuel consumption, a 50% decrease in operating costs, and a 40% increase in payload capacity compared to existing airframe designs.

“My career has been dedicated to advancing the global aviation industry,” said Scholnick. “It’s exhilarating to join the Natilus Advisory Board and contribute to pioneering technology that stands to reshape long-standing industry practices.” Her enthusiasm mirrors Natilus's ambitious vision at a time when many established Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) remain focused primarily on production recovery.

The advisory board at Natilus already features distinguished veterans such as Dennis Muilenburg, former President and CEO of Boeing, and Kory Mathews, former VP at Boeing Military Aircraft, among others—demonstrating Natilus's strong backing from industry leaders. This team will support the company as it strives to prepare for the first flight of KONA within the next 24 months.

Natilus recently capped a successful Series A funding round, securing $28 million to further its mission. Currently, the company has a substantial order book of 570 aircraft valued at $24 billion, with notable customers including airlines like SpiceJet and Canadian charter airlines. The next step in their journey involves selecting a domestic manufacturing site for the KONA aircraft, anticipated later this year.

“Bringing someone of Mylène's caliber on board is a step toward establishing a robust team to drive our objectives,” said Aleksey Matyushev, CEO and Co-Founder of Natilus. “Her unparalleled experience in fleet strategy and procurement will prove invaluable as we march towards the production phase of KONA.”

Founded in 2016, Natilus aims to redefine air transport with its BWB technology, making it more eco-efficient and economically viable. The blend of expertise brought in by leaders like Scholnick underlines a momentous shift anticipated in the aviation industry, wherein enhanced sustainability and operational efficiency are no longer optional, but necessary.

As stakeholders watch closely, Natilus's commitment to rethinking aviation economics—integrating sustainability measures into innovations—positions it at the forefront of a new era in transportation.

From its foundation to the current evolution, Natilus exemplifies the future of air transport, capitalizing on cutting-edge technology to solve persistent industry challenges. With significant advancements on the horizon, Mylène Scholnick’s involvement signifies not just a milestone for Natilus, but possibly a transformation that could benefit the entire air freight sector in the coming years.