KLM and Transavia Partner with Conscious Aerospace for Hydrogen-Powered Aircraft Development
Key Ideas
- KLM and Transavia signed an MoU with Conscious Aerospace at the Paris Air Show for hydrogen propulsion technology in Dash 8-300 aircraft.
- The collaboration aims to create a commercially viable solution using hydrogen fuel cells for regional passenger and cargo operations by the late 2020s.
- Conscious Aerospace is developing a 2.1 MW powertrain, with input from the airlines on cabin design, markets, routes, and cost estimates.
- The project involves partnerships with EASA, De Havilland of Canada, and supply chain partners, marking progress towards sustainable aviation solutions.
At the Paris Air Show, Dutch carriers KLM and Transavia have partnered with Conscious Aerospace, a hydrogen propulsion specialist, to develop environmentally friendly aircraft. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed involves advising on seat and cargo design for a re-engined De Havilland Dash 8-300 powered by hydrogen fuel cells. KLM's EVP of business development, Barry ter Voert, emphasized the importance of new propulsion technologies like hydrogen in reducing the aviation industry's carbon footprint. Conscious Aerospace is leading the design, construction, and certification of a 2.1 MW powertrain to be retrofitted onto Dash 8-300s for regional flights using liquid hydrogen. The collaboration includes input from the airlines on various aspects of the project, such as cabin design, market analysis, routes, and cost projections. Conscious Aerospace's CEO Erik Geertsema highlighted the progress made with partnerships involving EASA, De Havilland of Canada, and supply chain partners, indicating a comprehensive approach towards sustainable aviation solutions. This initiative signifies a step towards a greener aviation industry, aligning with the global trend towards environmental sustainability.