Ecotricity-backed regional carrier Ecojet, has today announced an order for 70 hydrogen-electric engines from Cotswold Airport-based firm ZeroAvia, which successfully conducted its first hydrogen-powered test flight in January 2023. Ecojet, ... The post Ecojet confirms powerplant order and future...
Ecotricity-backed regional carrier Ecojet, has today announced an order for 70 hydrogen-electric engines from Cotswold Airport-based firm ZeroAvia, which successfully conducted its first hydrogen-powered test flight in January 2023. Ecojet, led by a team including climate activist Dale Vince and former Air Southwest CEO Peter Davies, hopes to establish itself on services between Edinburgh and Southampton in 2024, before it launches carbon-neutral flights the following year.
With this order, Ecojet has committed to operating 19-seat airliners using the ZA600 powerplant, which is currently undergoing trials prior to certification. The engines, developed using hydrogen-electric powertrain technology, will be leased to the startup airline by Monte, a British lessor which has already signed to acquire up to 30 of the upcoming electric Alice aircraft produced by Eviation.
Photo: Ecojet
The airline’s founder and Chairman, Dale Vince, said that, “We don’t have to give up flying to live a green lifestyle or to get to net zero as a country – and this is big news. The technology is here now and the planes are coming very soon – carbon free, guilt free flying is just around the corner. And although aviation is responsible for only a small part of all global emissions, it occupies a far bigger space than that in our psyche,” whilst ZeroAvia’s CEO added that, “Clean aviation will mean increased regional air travel and new routes, Ecojet can capitalize based on their clear focus on low-emission travel.”
Ecojet will also acquire the more powerful ZA2000, which is intended to enter service in 2027, in order to power a future fleet of converted 70-seat turboprops which will likely comprise of the Dash 8-400. The carrier plans to eliminate single-use plastics from its services, and will also serve plant-based meals and provide crew with sustainable uniforms.
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