EVIA AERO – a company focusing on providing zero emissions sub-regional air services within Europe – and Cranfield Aerospace Solutions – a UK SME developing a hydrogen fuel cell conversion of the 9-seat Britten Norman Islander – in connection with a strategic collaboration have signed a letter of intent for ten, hydrogen fuel cell propelled, conversion kits for Britten Norman Islander aircraft as part of the EVIA AERO strategy to bring hydrogen air services to Northern Europe.
Florian Kruse, EVIA AERO Founder & CEO said: “We are very happy to enter this letter of intent arrangement with Cranfield Aerospace Solutions for the 10 off aircraft. These aircraft will support EVIA AERO’S plans to develop sustainable aviation around the northern coasts of Germany, The Netherlands and Denmark and will contribute to the environmental concerns and goals of the region.
“By working closely with Cranfield Aerospace Solutions and their quickly evolving hydrogen aircraft solution, combined with EVIA AERO’S commercial knowledge of the markets in Europe, EVIA AERO is excited about the future and the application of this aircraft to fulfil the emerging need.”
Paul Hutton, Cranfield Aerospace Solutions CEO added: “CAeS is delighted to be signing this LoI with EVIA AERO. In a world desperate to reduce its carbon emissions and with the reduced operational costs promised by this new technology, zero-emissions flight on small aircraft such as the Islander offers another solution for sub-regional travel. One that could be part of an inter-connected transportation system; a complimentary service to existing ground networks, serving those routes that are either poorly served by road or rail or are highly congested.
“EVIA AERO’S plans represents a shining example of how sub-regional travel will change with the advent of zero-emissions aviation”.
About Cranfield Aerospace Solutions
Cranfield Aerospace Solutions (CAeS) is a recognised as a pioneer in aviation – developing cutting edge technology, new aerospace concepts and aircraft modifications for some of the world’s largest aerospace companies. CAeS delivers safe and clean aviation solutions that will benefit generations to come.
Attention is currently focused on Project Fresson – an initiative set to deliver the world’s first truly green passenger carrying airline services using hydrogen fuel cell technology. CAeS is working up to the design and manufacture of a new-build, 9-seater green aircraft by converting a Britten Norman Islander aircraft by transforming its propulsion system from conventional fossil fuel to that of gaseous hydrogen via a fuel cell and electric motor. The end solution will be emissions free air travel and is planned to be certified for passenger flight by 2025.
CAeS is an established business, of over 25 years, with 90+ staff and is one of very few aerospace SMEs globally to have both whole aircraft design capability, and to hold a range of regulatory approvals for the design and manufacture of modifications to existing aircraft. CAeS is based at Cranfield Airport where the company has access to some of the UK’s most advanced aviation test and research facilities.
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