09 August 2023 || 4 min read
ZeroAvia has announced a pivotal partnership with Surcar Airlines, a newly established airline with a vision to revolutionize flights in the Canary Islands. The collaboration seeks to introduce environmentally friendly air travel to the region through the deployment of ZeroAvia’s cutting-edge ZA600 hydrogen-electric engines.
Surcar Airlines, backed by investors including Nordic Seaplanes, plans to reshape the aviation landscape in the Canary Islands by retrofitting Twin Otter seaplanes with the ZA600 powertrain. These seaplanes, traditionally reliant on conventional fuel sources, will undergo a transformation that aligns with Surcar Airlines’ mission to pave the way for zero-emission aviation experiences. The Canary Islands’ captivating vistas will serve as the backdrop for a new era of green sightseeing flights, demonstrating the feasibility and allure of sustainable air travel.
ZeroAvia’s ZA600 engine is set to gain certification for 9-19 seat aircraft within the next two to three years. The strategic collaboration between ZeroAvia and De Havilland of Canada, holder of the Twin Otter’s type certificate, solidifies the trajectory towards a hydrogen-electric future for these aircraft.
As the European Union strives for a 55 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and Spain aims for carbon-neutral transportation by 2050, Surcar Airlines’ pioneering efforts are emblematic of a wider commitment to address climate change. Public sentiment echoes this urgency, with a majority of Europeans expressing intentions to limit air travel due to environmental concerns.
James Peck, Chief Customer Officer of ZeroAvia, envisions the Canary Islands as an ideal testing ground for early zero-emission flights. The archipelago’s inter-island routes provide the perfect canvas for replacing conventional engines with hydrogen-electric alternatives, aligning the region with sustainable travel trends.
Gerardo Morales-Hierro, Founder & CEO of Surcar Airlines, underscores the company’s dual commitment to preserving the Canary Islands’ natural beauty and reducing the impact of climate change. By embracing ZeroAvia’s groundbreaking technology, Surcar Airlines aims to deliver cleaner flights while fostering positive impacts on both the local community and the environment.
Recently, ZeroAvia also successfully completed testing of the ZA600 prototype aboard a Dornier 228 aircraft, which marks a significant milestone on the path to emission-free aviation. Hydrogen-electric engines, utilizing fuel cells to generate electricity, not only propel the aircraft but also emit only water – an innovative development for the aviation industry that had been gaining traction and popularity.
Why it’s important: With its ambitious targets of a 300-mile range in 9-19 seat aircraft by 2025 and a 700-mile range in 40-80 seat aircraft by 2027, ZeroAvia remains steadfast in its mission to drive aviation towards a sustainable future. Backed by key partnerships, FAA and CAA certificates, and pre-orders from global airlines, ZeroAvia is poised to usher in a new era of cleaner, greener flight operations, with commercial operations on the horizon by 2025. Together with Surcar Airlines, the partnership signals a transformative step forward for aviation and environmental stewardship in the Canary Islands.
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