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In a letter to investors for public release, Vertical Aerospace has shared an update on its flight test program following an incident last month involving one of its VX4 flight test prototype aircraft. According to the release, Vertical does not expect any significant impact to its certification timeline.

The release stated the VX4 flight test prototype has concluded its remote thrustborne flight test campaign as of July 2023, as the first full-scale VX4 prototype reached its target speed of 40kts (70 kmph), demonstrating exceptional overall stability and control.

Performance targets were generally exceeded by 10-30% during hover and low speed flights. The prototype performed especially well in sustained hover, typically the most challenging regime for a VTOL aircraft, where it maintained level flight for longer than anticipated. The aim of these thrustborne flight tests was to verify acceptable stability, battery efficiency and control characteristics, aerodynamics, structural loads, performance and vibration throughout this speed range – all of which were achieved.

During one of these test flights, an unexpected fault occurred causing the aircraft to enter a stable descent, before being damaged on impact with the ground. Vertical completed a swift and thorough investigation and submitted a report to the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB). Vertical’s investigation identified the root cause to be a fault with a propeller. This early generation propeller had already been redesigned prior to the incident, with the issue fully resolved ahead of the next phase of testing. Further recommendations by the investigation are being implemented by Vertical.

Stephen Fitzpatrick, Vertical Founder and CEO, commented: “We are pleased with our flight test progress to date and the data, insights and invaluable learnings we have collected. While a fault of any sort is disappointing, it is not wholly unexpected at this stage of testing a novel aircraft. I am pleased that as a result of our expert team we have isolated the cause of the fault and been able to provide the AAIB with our report within 14 days of the incident. Our planned second upgraded prototype, which will include most of our top tier partners’ technology, will have us in the air early next year and we remain on track for our certification timelines”

Why it matters: Despite the setback of a flight test incident, Vertical remains on track for its certification timeline. The company stated it is also developing a second, more advanced flight test prototype of the VX4 model which will be ready to fly in early 2024. Expect more updates as Vertical progresses toward entry to service of its eVTOL aircraft.

Source: Vertical Press Release

In a significant leap towards modernizing last-mile logistics, retail giant Walmart has announced a strategic collaboration with Wing, an on-demand drone delivery provider backed by Alphabet, Google’s parent company. This partnership comes after two years of Walmart’s relentless pursuit of incorporating drone delivery into its services. The latest venture is set to introduce drone delivery capabilities from two Walmart stores in Dallas, catering to an additional 60,000 households.

Walmart’s unwavering commitment to pioneering innovative delivery solutions that are eco-friendly and forward-looking resonates seamlessly with Wing’s advanced drone technology. By integrating Wing’s drones, designed to operate beyond visual line of sight, Walmart will extend on-demand delivery to customers living within a 6-mile radius of the selected stores. The Walmart Supercenter at 8555 Preston Road in Frisco, Texas, will take the lead in inaugurating this transformative service.

The user experience promises to be both efficient and user-friendly. Prospective customers can swiftly determine their eligibility for drone delivery by downloading the Wing app, available on the App Store and Google Play. This technological stride will unlock an array of conveniences, from swift deliveries of essential household items to impromptu meal solutions like macaroni and cheese, and even delicate products like eggs, according to Walmart.

This strategic alliance between Walmart and Wing not only marks a turning point for both entities but also for the broader landscape of last-mile logistics. Walmart’s vast experience in customer-centric solutions pairs seamlessly with Wing’s cutting-edge drone capabilities. Together, they aim to redefine convenience in the realm of delivery services. As the collaboration takes flight, it is poised to inspire industry peers to embrace innovative strategies for enhancing customer satisfaction.

Related:

• Wing’s New Model for Metropolitan Drone Delivery
• Walmart Begins On-Demand Drone Delivery Program with Flytrex

Why it’s important: The fusion of Walmart’s commitment to innovation and Wing’s drone expertise ushers in a new era for elevated delivery solutions. By extending drone delivery services to the Dallas metro, Walmart continues to push boundaries and embrace emerging technologies to better serve its customers. As drones revolutionize the delivery ecosystem, Walmart and Wing stand at the forefront of this transformative journey, adding another dimension to the Supercenter’s last mile delivery.

In a momentus development for BLADE, the innovative air mobility company, costs for their mobility services reached a significant milestone by achieving near cost parity with Uber in the bustling streets of New York City due to their ongoing promotion of buy one seat, get one seat for 50% off. This achievement not only marks a pivotal moment for the air mobility industry but also sets a compelling model for the evolution of future air mobility services.

Much like the early days of ride-hailing giant Uber, BLADE’s journey to cost parity began with higher prices due to the novelty and limited infrastructure of the technology. However, through strategic advancements, technological innovations, and growing demand, BLADE has managed to make aerial commuting an accessible and viable option for urban commuters.

In its nascent stages, BLADE’s helicopter service was considered a luxury, reserved for only a niche market. Yet, echoing the transformative story of Uber’s evolution, BLADE recognized that to truly revolutionize urban transportation, democratization and increased reach is an important tenant of their business model. By consistently expanding its fleet, optimizing routes, and streamlining operations, BLADE made tangible strides in reducing costs without compromising safety or quality.

The achievement of near cost parity (while this promotion is ongoing) between BLADE and Uber holds profound implications for the future of air mobility. As numerous companies explore the potential of aerial transportation, initial high costs are widely anticipated. However, BLADE’s model can serve as an example of the potential for these types of advances, illustrating that these costs are not insurmountable barriers, but rather stepping stones toward affordability.

The path forged by BLADE underscores the evolution of disruptive technologies, highlighting the essential cycle of innovation, optimization, and mass adoption. By building a sustainable business model that prioritizes efficiency and accessibility, BLADE showcases the blueprint for other urban air mobility services to follow.

As urbanization accelerates, traffic congestion intensifies, and sustainability gains paramount importance, the role of air mobility is destined to grow. BLADE’s approach in coming closer to cost parity is a testament to the resilience of pioneers willing to navigate new business models in aviation. It’s a reassurance that though initial costs might be high, visionary approaches and relentless dedication can propel these revolutionary modes of transportation into affordability.

Why it’s important: BLADE’s progress toward cost parity is indicative of the principle that every achievement starts with a small step – a first flight that transforms into an entire industry soaring to new heights of accessibility and efficiency. The future of urban air mobility is taking flight, and BLADE’s impact on progressing aviation toward more progressive outcomes is making an impact.

Airspeeder announced last week that Gary Gysin will be joining their Board. Gary brings a wealth of experience and expertise to further drive the advancement of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) technology and autonomous flight.

Gary most recently was the founding CEO of Wisk Aero, a joint venture between the Boeing Company and Larry Page’s Kittyhawk. Prior to Gary’s retirement in February of 2023, Gysin built Wisk into the market-leading self-flying, all-electric, 4-seat air taxi, created the executive and development leadership teams, set the strategic targets for the company, including the entry into service timing and city roll-out, launched the company’s commercial type certified aircraft development program, and closed over $450M in new financing capital.  Wisk recently became a wholly owned subsidiary of the Boeing Company.

Airspeeder is poised to advance aerial mobility through flying car racing. In bringing together cutting-edge technology, high-performance electric aircraft, and thrilling racing experiences, Airspeeder aims to accelerate the development of eVTOL technology and inspire the next generation of aviators and engineers.

Airspeeder and Alauda Aeronautics operate on a global scale with a technical HQ in Adelaide, South Australia, strategically positioned in close proximity to ideal testing grounds for a groundbreaking form of aerial mobility. The sports commercial, communications, and administrative headquarters are based in London, England, led by Airspeeder’s Co-founder, Jack Withinshaw. This London location provides Airspeeder with direct access to leaders in motorsport, rights management, and regulatory matters.

Why it’s important: Airspeeder’s mission of application of advanced racing technologies first to an eVTOL racing series and then following to the aerial mobility industry allows for more experience to inform design advances in a controlled, safe, and innovative environment. Gary Gysin has shared that he has substantial interest in Formula 1 Racing, a model for the proposed Airspeeder Racing League.

Bay Area based ASKA has had quite the busy summer since it announced receipt of its FAA Special Airworthiness Certificate.

The size of an SUV in the drive mode, the four-seater ASKA A5 is the world’s first flying car that can travel by road and air with vertical takeoff and landing VTOL and short takeoff and landing STOL capabilities. The drive & fly eVTOL is designed with maximum safety standards and a 250 mile flight range.

Last week, the successfully completed its first airborne tests, lifting from a California airfield with hovered thrust while the vehicle was tethered to the ground. Further, ASKA is road legal with the California DMV and has completed more than 300 miles of road testing in the Bay Area.

Guy Kaplinsky, CEO/Cofounder, stated: “It was an incredible feeling of accomplishment for the team to reach this new milestone. This moment represents a giant leap for the Aviation and Automotive industries. Having accomplished the first series of hover flight testing as well as driving testing, ASKA is a pioneer in the field of electric flying cars with VTOL capabilities.”

Maki Kaplinsky, CoFounder/Chair & COO, commented on the A5’s next steps towards commercialization in 2026, subject to regulatory approvals. “This first lift-off was a true accomplishment and years of engineering design and analysis became a reality. A5 successfully lifted off and maintained thrust hover status. We are closely working with the FAA to ensure continued excellent progress with our flight testing. We will continue the optimization of hovering and VTOL. The next phase will be working toward transition into cruise and STOL.”

ASKA followed up its first flight tests with a high profile public appearance at Monterey Car Week at Pebble Beach. While ASKA’s A5 eVTOL did not fly at the event, the company demonstrated advanced capabilities including on-road driving demonstrations and public displays of the wings opening and closing, and the props turning.

“This event was a major public demonstration of advanced technological achievements, such as driving and opening and closing the wings and the props turning,” explained Guy Kaplinsky, CEO/Cofounder. “The last big event for us was CES Las Vegas in January 2023, when we debuted the fully-functional full-scale prototype of ASKA™ A5. We are hitting our targets for this year and progressing with type certification with the FAA.”

Why it matters: ASKA has been relatively in stealth mode since its CES debut earlier this year. With the issuance of its Special Airworthiness Certificate and successful public demonstrations and test flights, it is clear ASKA is a real contender in the eVTOL space. If all goes to plan, ASKA hopes to certify and commercialize their eVTOL craft by 2026.

In a collaboration that merges ADS-B aviation technology with advances in public service through aviation, the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) and uAvionix Corporation have entered a partnership that brings a dual band Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) receiver network to the National Radar (NRAT) mission. This initiative aims to dramatically reduce response times in search and rescue operations, potentially saving lives in critical situations.

Civil Air Patrol Squadrons across Virginia have partnered with uAvionix in the establishment of strategically positioned ADS-B receiver sites. These lightweight FlightStation receivers, operating in both 1090MHz and 978MHz modes, intercept transponder data from aircraft flying at low altitudes. This data is then integrated into the NRAT server at Maxwell Air Force Base, enhancing capabilities when paired with FAA sensor data.

The NRAT is a vital component of the CAP’s Emergency Services mission, standing ready to respond when a missing aircraft or crash is reported. Once activated by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center (AFRCC), the NRAT team can promptly provide analysis and actionable insights to Incident Commanders. This swift response is a marked improvement from the previous timelines, making the difference between swift action and prolonged uncertainty.

This technological advancement, known as the FlightLine roll-out, offers a network of precision-grade ADS-B receivers with overlapping coverage. This redundancy ensures the validation of transmitted ADS-B data and the determination of multilateral positions. This innovative approach complements the traditional focus of radar and ADS-B on airports and higher altitudes, providing comprehensive coverage even at altitudes as low as 500 feet.

Aerial mobility stands to benefit from such collaborations as ADS-B data being stitched to national airspace system data will allow for more integrated and efficient use of existing airspace, which means that more aircraft can operate in the same given area while safely deconflicting flight paths from one another. Further, the partnership will also allow for early data to be obtained that proves the combination of data sources is possible.

Why it’s important: In the realm of search and rescue, every moment counts. CAP’s partnership with uAvionix marks a significant step toward rapid, effective response in critical situations. Further, the partnership will allow for early data acquisition and proving of transponder stitching schema that have great potential to increase situational awareness and aviation traffic densities in congested airspace.

EHang has announced that the company has achieved a significant milestone for EH216-S TC by successfully completing all of the planned tests and flights in the last phase of demonstration and verification of compliance, and also completed the definitive TC Flight Test by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (“CAAC”), with unwavering endeavors throughout past 31 months since the CAAC officially accepted the Company’s TC application in January 2021.

This is the last milestone before obtaining the type certificate, and also the result of the unwavering efforts of EHang team. After finishing the remaining procedures, the Company expects to obtain the type certificate of EH216-S Unmanned Aerial Vehicle System from the CAAC soon.

Since the time when CAAC officially accepted the EH216-S TC application in January 2021, EHang has entered into an extensive 30 month long flight test campaign. During this period, EHang made several configuration changes ranging from battery, environment, material, strength, electronics, software, data link to ground control station.

The company now believes they have sufficiently proved that EH216-S meets the safety standards and airworthiness requirements by the CAAC, through scientific approaches, multi-angle demonstrations, rigorous testing, and continuous optimizations.

Huazhi Hu, Founder, Chairman and CEO of EHang, commented, “We’ve made remarkable progress in our pursuit of long-term growth. Notably, we are thrilled to announce that we have successfully completed all the planned tests for EH216-S type certification. This achievement marks a significant unprecedented milestone in the global emerging eVTOL industry, underscoring our unwavering dedication and pioneering advantages. Additionally, this sets the stage for us to secure the type certificate soon and proceed with our endeavors to initiate commercial operations. I would like to express my gratitude to the CAAC’s officials and the review team as well as the Company’s airworthiness certification team for their unwavering efforts and persevering spirits. It is their professionalism, exceptional technological expertise, and collaborations that have led us to our impressive achievement today. I believe the remaining procedures will be finished very soon before the official authorization of the type certificate. It will pave the way for our commercial operations in the next stage.”

Why it matters: To date, EHang will be the first TC program for unmanned eVTOL by a major aviation regulatory agency. With many commercial venture and partnerships in place, expect EHang to quickly manufacture and deliver its EH216-S eVTOL to many public and private operators throughout the country.

Source: EHang Press Release

Schubeler Founder and CTO Daniel Schubeler has just revealed the company’s biggest and boldest product launch in more than 25 years – the eP05-21 electric ducted fan (EDF) designed specifically to power both manned and unmanned electric Vertical Take Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

With an initial focus on electric CFRP axial fans for the sports and hobby sector starting in 1997, Schubeler built its reputation meeting the needs of demanding customers with a passion for high-end aeromodelling.

“eP05-21 is the first in a new line of Aerospace-specific products that will be referred to as Schubeler Aero. It’s tested and proven technology; we’ve completed intense wind tunnel testing in July as well as successful integration in actual eVTOL aircraft.” The key product specifications for the eP05-21 include:

Diameter: 524mm
DC Power Input:          21kW
Static Thrust:              680N
Flight Speed Range:   0-45m/s

With a sub-60V architecture, the Schubeler EDF is ready to be tested in connection with eVTOL aircraft development projects, according to Schubeler. Full technical specifications are listed on Schubeler’s website here.

A globally recognized expert in electric propulsion systems, Schubeler offers off-the-shelf electric ducted fans and custom made propulsion solutions to a wide variety of customers in need of aerospace and turbomachinery components.

Vivien Heriard-Dubreuil, CEO mdGroup (parent company of Schubeler) says, “What Daniel and his team have achieved here is remarkable. Building on 25 years of electric propulsion and turbomachinery experience, the company is now making a big entry into aerospace and specifically, the Advanced Air Mobility segment.”

Two years ago, Schubeler recognized a need in the aerial mobility industry for a line of electric propulsion systems specially designed to fulfill aviation’s demanding requirements, and set out to design its first aero electric fan – the eP05-21- to be certifiable under SC E-19 and DO-160G. These developments are categorized under the company’s Schubeler Aero arm which is committed to designing products that meet the continuously evolving aerospace standards.

Meanwhile, Schubeler has already been working with eVTOL developers including Lilium, whose 40% scale aircraft is equipped with 30 of Schubeler’s fans. Lilium has begun wind tunnel testing of the large-scale powered model of its Lilium Jet at the German-Dutch Wind Tunnels (DNW) facility in Markenesse, Netherlands to validate performance predictions for the full-scale conforming prototype now under construction.

Related: Lilium’s Upsized $192M Financing and Class A Shares Offering

Why it’s important: Advanced air mobility aircraft are complex systems that will rely on unique solutions to maximize power while minimizing weight and noise in order to achieve a feasible and commercially viable product. Schubeler Aero is poised to fulfill this niche as a provider of versatile propulsion systems suitable for a variety of aircraft configurations, and has decades of experience on which its future customers can rely.

JetZero, an aerospace company based at Long Beach Airport, has secured a sizeable $235 million award from the Department of Defense’s Defense Innovation Unit. This funding injection is set to launch the development of their blended wing body (BWB) aircraft, which aims to improve on current aerospace offerings to the aviation industry by significantly reducing fuel consumption, emissions, and noise while offering an enhanced passenger experience.

The BWB configuration of JetZero’s proposed design isn’t new, as the existing OEMs have attempted to bring products such as these to fruition in the past, but JetZero reflects the latest attempt to deliver a product that boasts unmatched efficiency, projecting a 50 percent reduction in both fuel burn and emissions. With air traffic anticipated to increase by 3.6 percent annually, the need for sustainable aviation solutions is more pressing than ever. JetZero’s aircraft could hold the key to mitigating the industry’s carbon footprint, especially considering that the global airline fleet is predicted to almost double by 2041.

The initial BWB demonstrator aircraft will utilize existing engines and systems, however its design is poised for a seamless transition to hydrogen propulsion. This technology, with the potential for zero carbon emissions, promises a sustainable future for aviation. Collaborations with industry giants Northrop Grumman and Scaled Composites, along with the support of Pratt & Whitney GTF engines, underline JetZero’s commitment to pioneering these advancements.

Under the guidance of CEO Tom O’Leary, JetZero also aims to lead the aviation sector towards a more sustainable trajectory. O’Leary firmly believes that their BWB concept is a pivotal step toward achieving zero carbon emissions. “The BWB is the best first step on the path to zero carbon emissions,” he affirms. “It offers 50% lower fuel burn using today’s engines and the airframe efficiency needed to support a transition to zero carbon emissions propulsion in the future. No other proposed aircraft comes close in terms of efficiency.”

The DIU’s investment aligns with its mission to bridge the gap between emerging commercial technologies and military applications. JetZero’s milestone achievement marks a significant stride towards transforming aviation’s impact on the environment. The award enables the company to accelerate their progress, with plans to debut a full-scale demonstrator by the first quarter of 2027. This project is significant for aerial mobility because it reflects the amount of capital that governments and private investors are committing toward sustainable advancements of technology. Further, these investments align with aerial mobility goals, including more sustainable, efficient, and quieter flight.

Why it’s important: As air travel continues to return to 2019 levels and beyond, the urgency to develop eco-friendly aircraft intensifies. JetZero’s visionary approach to aircraft design could help to further the aviation industry’s trajectory toward more sustainable operations, ushering in a new era of cleaner, more sustainable flight.

In a groundbreaking collaboration, EMED Group, a leading healthcare logistics provider to the National Health Service (NHS), and Skyports Drone Services, a drone logistics and monitoring company, have successfully concluded a proof-of-concept initiative aimed at revolutionizing medical courier services. The four-week trial, conducted in partnership with the East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT), showcased the potential of integrating drone technology into the healthcare sector with potential for future aerial mobility applications.

The project, launched in June 2023, involved the transportation of over 400 pathology samples between two ESNEFT sites. This achievement supports the viability of incorporating routine drone operations to enhance traditional medical courier services, thus elevating the quality of care for patients and healthcare professionals.

Craig Smith, Group CEO of EMED Group, emphasized the significance of this milestone, stating, “This project exemplifies our commitment to innovative practices in the medical courier realm. Not only does it deliver tangible environmental benefits, but it also ensures swift and efficient transport of vital pathology samples and medical supplies, circumventing the delays often encountered on road networks. Ultimately, this contributes to healthier communities and accelerated diagnoses for those in need.”

Alex Brown, Director of Skyports Drone Services, highlighted the pivotal role of projects like this in advancing medical drone logistics. “We are witnessing a pivotal moment in the expansion of medical drone operations. Collaborations such as this with EMED are instrumental in establishing the safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of drone services, while showcasing their straightforward implementation. Each successful delivery translates to faster patient care, and on a larger scale, the transformative impact is immeasurable.”

Why It’s Important: The successful completion of the EMED Group and Skyports Drone Services proof-of-concept project supports the significance of aerial mobility in increasing the timeliness and efficiency healthcare logistics. By transporting crucial medical supplies and samples, drones offer a time-efficient and reliable solution that overcomes traditional transportation challenges. This achievement indicates substantial progress toward transforming medical courier services, leading to faster diagnoses, improved patient care, and resource optimization. As the medical logistics industry continues to push boundaries, collaborations like this hold the key to continuing advancements in healthcare delivery.

Archer Aviation has just closed a series of investments from Stellantis, Boeing, and United Airlines totally $215M in new equity investments.

This accompanies a finalized settlement between Archer and Boeing-owned Wisk to resolve the federal and state court litigation between the parties on undisclosed terms.

Simultaneously, the parties have entered into a collaboration that looks forward to the growth and development of the AAM industry. Archer has agreed to make Wisk its exclusive provider of autonomy technology for future variants of Archer’s aircraft.

As part of the parties’ collaboration, Boeing’s investment in Archer will support the integration of Wisk’s autonomous technology in future variants of Archer’s aircraft.

Additionally, Archer announced that it is on track to complete what it believes will be the first ever eVTOL aircraft delivery to a customer as part of its recently announced contracts with the Department of Defense (DoD). These announcements come on the heels of the FAA Administrator leaving to join Archer and the DoD awarding Archer the largest total contract value of any eVTOL company.

“Over the last quarter, we’ve seen the U.S. government make an unwavering commitment that America will lead the way in commercializing eVTOL aircraft, the FAA validated the timeline for eVTOL aircraft to begin operations in the U.S. in 2025, and leaders in the mobility industry, Stellantis, United Airlines and Boeing, have come together to invest in Archer’s future,” said Adam Goldstein, Archer’s Founder and CEO. “The pace at which our industry is advancing is unprecedented. Our team’s hard work and dedication have brought us to this exciting moment, and we can’t wait to see Midnight soar,” added Goldstein.

In the announcement, Adam Goldstein, unveiled Archer has also received a special airworthiness certificate from the FAA to begin flight test operations, which the firm plans to begin in the coming weeks.

Why it matters: The latest investments in Archer increase the company’s total funding to date to over $1.1 billion, bolstering Archer’s path to FAA certification and commercial operations in 2025. Alongside the contracts with the DoD and Archer receiving the green light for flight testing, expect more developments from the firm as they push for entry to service in 2025.

LaunchPoint announced earlier this week the inauguration of its new, state-of-the-art corporate headquarters in Goleta, California. LaunchPoint is an aerospace electric power generation company that aims to apply their technologies to an array of advanced electric aerospace applications.

Nestled amidst Goleta’s thriving tech and engineering hub, and in close proximity to the University of California, Santa Barbara, the expanded corporate headquarters was built to meet the growing demands of LaunchPoint’s expanding customer base. The new HQ is outfitted with cutting-edge engineering, manufacturing, and testing spaces, and the facility serves as an incubator for both the defense and commercial sectors.

In harmony with LaunchPoint’s customer-centric philosophy, advanced manufacturing units have been integrated to facilitate swift order fulfillment while maintaining product quality.

Rob Reali, CEO of LaunchPoint, reflected on the company’s remarkable journey, “Our evolution from humble beginnings to our current stature as a pivotal player in the aerospace domain has been an incredible voyage. This expansion underscores our ceaseless commitment to delivering top-tier aerospace solutions, bolstered by enhanced testing and manufacturing capabilities. We take immense pride in our achievements, from fostering local job opportunities to securing substantial contracts with tier one customers. It’s a testament to the dedication and hard work of our exceptional team.”

The growth trajectory of LaunchPoint has been considerable with their workforce more than tripling since its spin-off from LaunchPoint Technologies in 2020. The new headquarters accommodates the existing talent pool and also lays the foundation for further workforce expansion.

With a keen eye on the horizon, LaunchPoint is actively seeking to onboard a significant number of technical and manufacturing professionals, coinciding with the escalating demand of both government and commercial programs that are set to soar in 2024.

Why it’s important: LaunchPoint’s technology stands to benefit the aerospace industry, including aerial mobility and manned aircraft solutions. Their increased headquarters’ footprint should allow the company to better serve customers and continue their work in the research and development space.

LaunchPoint is hiring – learn more at https://launchpointeps.com/careers/.

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.