Ecojet Airlines Secures Funding for Zero-Emission Future in UK
Key Ideas
- Ecojet Airlines, a new UK-based airline, secures £20 million for capital raise led by Wyvern Partners to launch operations in 2025.
- Initiated by green entrepreneur Dale Vince and CEO Brent Smith, Ecojet aims to become the world's first zero-emission airline in the future.
- The airline plans to start with ATR 72-600s using a blend of conventional and sustainable fuels, later transitioning to hydrogen fuel cell powertrains by ZeroAvia.
- Ecojet has also secured access to green hydrogen for operations and will offer scheduled services, charter flights, cargo, and public service contracts upon receiving its air operator certificate.
Ecojet Airlines, a new aviation start-up in the UK, has recently appointed Wyvern Partners to oversee a £20 million capital raise aimed at meeting regulatory requirements and facilitating the launch of its operations. Founded in 2023 by green entrepreneur Dale Vince and CEO Brent Smith, the airline has been financially supported by Vince's Ecotricity business. Ecojet plans to commence flights from its Edinburgh base in 2025, slightly delayed from the original schedule. While specific routes have not been disclosed yet, the airline intends to announce them early next year. The £20 million raised will enable Ecojet to obtain an air operator certificate and operating license from UK regulators, while also providing working capital. Initially, the airline will operate with ATR 72-600 aircraft using a mix of conventional and sustainable aviation fuels. Future plans include transitioning to a zero-emission fleet, starting with converting to hydrogen fuel cell powertrains by ZeroAvia for its De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft. Ecojet has also secured green hydrogen access for its operations. Ticket sales will start after receiving the air operator certificate, with recruitment ongoing for pilots and cabin crew. The airline aims to offer various services, including scheduled flights, charters, cargo, and public service contracts, emphasizing its commitment to sustainability and decarbonization.