Evia Aero's Sustainable Vision: Converting Britten-Norman Islanders to Hydrogen Propulsion
Key Ideas
  • Evia Aero signs LOI for 15 Britten-Norman Islanders to be converted to hydrogen fuel-cell propulsion systems by Cranfield Aerospace Solutions.
  • The move aligns with Evia Aero's commitment to building a sustainable regional air transport network through hydrogen and electric drive technologies.
  • Britten-Norman expects production volumes to increase significantly post significant capital input, aiming for eight aircraft per year by 2028.
  • Evia Aero partners with CAeS to develop airport infrastructure for electric and hydrogen-electric aircraft operations at regional airports.
Bremmen-based start-up, Evia Aero, has made a significant move by signing a Letter of Intent (LOI) for 15 new Britten-Norman Islanders to be converted to hydrogen fuel-cell propulsion systems by Cranfield Aerospace Solutions (CAeS). The CEO of Evia Aero, Florian Kruse, praised the Britten-Norman Islander, emphasizing its proven track record and suitability for short-haul flights. The company's vision of establishing a sustainable regional air transport network through hydrogen and electric drive technologies aligns well with this initiative. The partnership is also beneficial for Britten-Norman, which is expected to ramp up production volumes following a capital injection, aiming for eight aircraft per year by 2028. Evia Aero's commitment to sustainability extends to collaborating with CAeS to develop airport infrastructure for electric and hydrogen-electric aircraft operations at regional airports. CAeS, on the other hand, is progressing with the development of a modular hydrogen retrofit solution for the Islander, with expectations of the technology entering service by 2027. With the first Islander delivery scheduled for 2027, Evia Aero's timeline aligns well with the certification of the hydrogen retrofit system. The move towards green aviation and sustainable practices marks a positive step in the aviation industry, showcasing innovation and technological advancements geared towards a more environmentally friendly future.
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