CAeS Shifts Focus to Hydrogen Technology Amid Layoffs
Key Ideas
- CAeS is laying off maintenance staff to focus on technology development, particularly in hydrogen propulsion and fuel cell technology.
- The company's recent accounts highlight the shift in strategy towards hydrogen technology and zero-emission solutions.
- CAeS will appoint an MRO partner for maintenance activities while concentrating on hydrogen fuel cell powertrain retrofit projects.
- In a move to finance its initiatives, the company mortgaged its Islander test aircraft and stock Lycoming engines to a finance firm.
UK-based Cranfield Aerospace Solutions (CAeS) is making changes to its workforce by laying off maintenance staff to prioritize technology development. The company, with an average of 97 employees, is focusing on hydrogen propulsion and zero-emission fuel cell technology. CAeS aims to enhance its strategy by shifting towards hydrogen-related initiatives, including a hydrogen fuel cell powertrain retrofit project for the Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander. As part of this transition, the company will no longer hold a Civil Aviation Authority Part 145 maintenance approval, opting instead to partner with an MRO provider for these activities. To support its projects, CAeS recently secured financing by mortgaging its test aircraft and engines. Overall, the move signifies CAeS's positive outlook on hydrogen technology and commitment to sustainable aviation solutions.