ZeroAvia, a California-based leader in hydrogen-electric aviation, announced that it has signed an agreement to provide its Twin Otter seaplanes with the ZeroAvia ZA600 powertrain to Surcar Airlines for green flights in the Canary Islands.
The newly launched airline (Surcar) is backed by investors including the Danish carrier Nordic Seaplanes.
Surcar Airlines aims to electrify aviation in the Canary Islands, aiming for zero-emission flights. They will initially operate conventionally powered aircraft but plan to switch to hydrogen-electric engines in the future to eliminate in-flight emissions and promote sustainability in the industry.
James Peck, CCO of ZeroAvia says, “The Canaries are a perfect use case for the earliest zero-emission flights, given the opportunity for replacing combustion engines on short island-to-island routes. Developing green options for inter-island travel will help further increase the appeal of one of Europe’s most popular holiday destinations.”
“We are set to revolutionise the Canary Islands’ aviation with seaplanes, offering an extraordinary experience flying just 300 meters above the sparkling sea,” says the company.
“Our collaborative effort brings back the magic of seaplane travel, providing eco-friendly choices for both locals and tourists to explore the Enchanted Isles. Safety, innovation, and a vision to make Canarias a global leader in aviation electrification drive us forward.”
Brief about ZeroAvia
ZeroAvia claims to be a leading company in zero-emission aviation, focusing on hydrogen-electric technology. Its goal is to achieve a 300-mile range in 9-19 seat aircraft by 2025 and up to a 700-mile range in 40-80 seat aircraft by 2027.
The company has received experimental certificates for three prototype aircraft from both the CAA and FAA, passed significant flight test milestones, and established key partnerships with major aircraft manufacturers.
With nearly 2,000 engine pre-orders from major global airlines, the company’s future revenue potential is estimated to be over $10B. ZeroAvia is part of the UK Government’s Jet Zero Council and plans to begin commercial operations in 2025.
ZeroAvia’s ZA600
ZeroAvia is progressing towards obtaining certification for its ZA600 600kW engine within the next two to three years. The engine is designed for 9-19 seat aircraft and is targeted at achieving zero-emission flights.
The company has a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with De Havilland of Canada, the type certificate holder for the Twin Otter aircraft model. This collaboration signifies a step forward in advancing hydrogen-electric technology in the aviation industry.
Recently, ZeroAvia completed a programme of 10 test flights of its ZA600 prototype using hydrogen-electric technology aboard a Dornier 228 aircraft at its UK base.
The system generates electricity from hydrogen in fuel cells to power electric motors, resulting in zero emissions, with only water as a byproduct. This marks a significant step towards developing cleaner and more sustainable aviation.
Gerardo Morales-Hierro, Founder & CEO, Surcar Airlines, says, “Millions visit each year to see the incredible natural beauty and world heritage sites here in the Canary Islands. Climate change threatens this and our way of life. Working with ZeroAvia will help us to deliver cleaner flights, while also fostering positive impacts on the local community and the environment.”
