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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