German startup Evia Aero is moving ahead with its plans to launch a sustainable regional airline in Europe using zero-emissions aircraft.
Evia Aera has closed a deal to acquire six Beech 1900D-HE aircraft, retrofitted to use a hydrogen-electric propulsion system developed by Australian firm Stralis Aircraft.
These aircraft will be able to carry up to 15 passengers for distances of up to 432 nautical miles (800 km) and at speeds of some 270 knots (500 km/h).
According to Stralis, the high temperature hydrogen fuel cell technology it is developing offers a six-fold weight reduction over the existing alternatives, conferring it a range advantage over battery-powered aircraft too.
The Australian company also claims that its system is capable of halving operational costs compared to traditionally powered alternatives, while delivering significant noise reduction.
Evia Aero is the European launch customer for the Stralis propulsion system, which has only been tested on the ground so far.
The German firm is active in different segments of the nascent sustainable aviation industry. In addition to its plans to become a zero-emissions regional air services provider, Evia Aero is also promoting the development of renewable power infrastructure on the ground at several airports across Europe.
