Canary Islands-based startup Surcar Airlines is about to embark on a sustainable and transformative journey in aviation by using hydrogen-electric engines to power its De Havilland Twin Otter aircraft.
The visionary plan involves Surcar retrofitting its aircraft with the state-of-the-art ZA600 powertrain developed by renowned propulsion specialists, ZeroAvia. This collaboration places Surcar Airlines at the forefront of the transition towards green aviation, focusing on both inter-island services and scenic sightseeing tours.
Initially, the fleet will commence operations with conventionally powered aircraft. Still, the goal is clear: a swift transition towards ZeroAvia’s cutting-edge hydrogen-electric engines to achieve zero-emission flights in the Canary Islands.
A Sustainable Innovation in Aviation
ZeroAvia’s ZA600 hydrogen-electric engines represent a groundbreaking innovation that is redefining the aviation landscape. The hydrogen-powered flight pioneer revealed on August 2nd that an agreement had been signed with Surcar Airlines, setting the stage for environmentally responsible flights around the Canary Islands.
Surcar, supported by notable investors such as Nordic Seaplanes, has a vision to provide sightseeing tours using Twin Otter seaplanes equipped with the ZA600 powertrain. This effort aligns perfectly with global ambitions to combat climate change and establish sustainable energy solutions.
“Climate change threatens [the Canary Islands] and our way of life,” stated Surcar founder and chief, Gerardo Morales-Hierro. “Working with ZeroAvia will help us to deliver cleaner flights, while also fostering positive impacts on the local community and the environment.”
Propulsion Technology: A New Era for Travel
ZeroAvia has carefully crafted the ZA600 engine for nine- to 19-seat aircraft, further collaborating with De Havilland through a memorandum of understanding. This technology has been rigorously tested through a series of flights using a Dornier 228 airframe. The hydrogen fuel cells within the system generate electricity that drives electric motors and propellers, opening new horizons for clean and efficient travel.
ZeroAvia’s chief customer officer, James Peck, expressed enthusiasm for this partnership, calling the Canary Islands’ short hops the “perfect use case” for initiating zero-emission flights.
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