Bremen-based start-up EVIA AERO add five more hydrogen fuel-cell based conversion kits for the 9-seat Britten Norman Islander aircraft to its existing Letter of Intent (LOI) with Cranfield Aerospace Solutions (CAeS).
This takes the total to 15 modification kits plus supplementary type certificates (STCs) to be supplied by CAeS to EVIA AERO.
In addition to this, EVIA AERO has signed a separate LOI for the supply of ten, 19-seat passenger aircraft to be powered by a scaled-up version of CAeS’ HFC based propulsion system.
CAeS made public at Farnborough Airshow this year their strategy to reinvigorate whole aircraft design and manufacture in the UK. This includes the development of a larger propulsion system based on the system in development today – at first retrofitting it into a more powerful, longer range platform before moving onto clean sheet aircraft, optimised around the novel propulsion system. It has not yet been determined whether the aircraft ordered by Evia Aero will be a modification to an existing design or a new concept aircraft.
Included in the terms for the 19-seat passenger aircraft is the collaboration between EVIA AERO and CAeS on the development of performance specifications for this aircraft type, and on maintenance requirements for the new hydrogen aircraft.
CAeS CEO Paul Hutton says: “We have developed a fantastic relationship with EVIA AERO and are delighted that their confidence in CAeS’ capabilities continues to grow with the signing of additional orders for 9-seat Britten-Norman Islander modification kits and our future 19-seat aircraft. By working together, we can make zero-emissions flight a reality.”
Florian Kruse, EVIA AERO Founder & CEO says: “Our joint mission with CAeS for sustainable aviation has been very successful in recent months. More and more airports are committing to our system, which is based on the entire value chain of sustainable aviation.
“To meet the needs of the markets for the future, we have decided to order more conversion kits, and to set out with Cranfield Aerospace for a future with 19-seaters for regional traffic. As it stands, our order book is complete for the rest of the decade.”
About CAeS:
Cranfield Aerospace Solutions (CAeS) is 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 fully certified truly green passenger carrying aircraft using hydrogen fuel cell technology. CAeS is working up to the design and manufacture of a new-build, 19-seater and 75-seater green aircraft. The project has started with converting a Britten-Norman Islander 9-seat 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 deliver carbon emissions free commercial air travel and is planned to be certified for passenger flight in 2026.
CAeS is an established aerospace business of over 33 years, with 100+ 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, Bedfordshire, UK where the company has access to some of the UK’s most advanced aviation test and research facilities. https://cranfieldaerospace.com/
About EVIA AERO
EVIA AERO, based in Germany, is developing a sustainable regional airline with designs to operate hydrogen and electric sustainable aircraft for the business traveler market segment. In October 2022 the company has signed a Letter of Intent for 25 all-electric commuter Eviation Alice aircraft. EVIA AERO intends to serve the entire value chain of sustainable aviation. EVIA AERO’s objective is to strengthen the development of regional economies in Europe by enabling customers to travel in an affordable, time-efficient and sustainable way. Its fleet will connect European business regions. With a schedule devised to generate connectivity between cities several times a day, EVIA AERO will provide passengers with high reliability in flight connections.
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