German Startup EVIA AERO Commits To Hydrogen-Powered Britten-Norman Islanders
Credit: Eviation
The airline expands its plans to operate a fully sustainable fleet by 2026.
Steven Walker / Nov 20, 2022
EVIA AERO has signed a letter of intent with Cranfield Aerospace Solutions (CAeS) to increase its order for hydrogen modification kits and aircraft. As part of the agreement, the startup airline expects to receive five additional hydrogen modification kits and ten 19-seat aircraft.
The hydrogen modification kits are designed to power the nine-seat Britten-Norman Islander aircraft and come in addition to a previous order with CAeS for 10 kits.
At the Farnborough Airshow earlier this year, CAeS outlined its plans to develop a larger hydrogen propulsion system capable of powering a 19-seat aircraft on longer-range flights. However, it has not yet been decided if the 19-seat aircraft will be developed from an existing aircraft design or whether it will come from a completely new design concept.
CEO of CAeS, Paul Hutton, celebrated the agreement, saying, “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 nine-seat Britten-Norman Islander modification kits and our future 19-seat aircraft. By working together, we can make zero-emissions flight a reality.”
About EVIA AERO
EVIA AERO aims to operate a fleet of hydrogen and electric-powered sustainable aircraft, strengthening regional economies in Europe by allowing passengers to travel in a sustainable, affordable, and time-efficient way. In addition to its plans for the Britten-Norman Islander, the airline also signed a letter of intent in October 2022 for 25 electric commuter Eviation Alice aircraft.
The carrier intends to begin operations in 2026, flying a number of short-range routes across Europe. Initially, EVIA AERO's hydrogen-powered Britten-Norman Islander flights will primarily serve island communities and workers in the offshore wind power, although the carrier has outlined its ambitions to fly longer routes at a later stage.
CEO and founder of EVIA AERO, Florian Kruse, said, “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.”
The Britten-Norman Islander
The Britten-Norman Islander aircraft entered production in the 1960s. Since then, around 1,200 have been built, with over 750 still in service around the world today. In addition to numerous military operators, current commercial operators of the Britten-Norman Islander include the UK’s Loganair. Among the many previous operators of the aircraft is Winair.
Plans to convert existing aircraft are part of the CAeS-led Project Fresson, named after the Scottish aviator, Ted Fresson. The project, which launched in October 2019, is part-funded by the UK Government.