Irish airline ASL Aviation in deal to develop hydrogen electric engines

Irish airline ASL Aviation is joining forces with US-British business Zeroavia to develop hydrogen electric engines for aircraft.

Swords-based ASL operates freight and passenger airlines in Europe, Africa and Asia.

The Irish carrier and Zeroavia have agreed to work jointly on developing zero emission engines for its ATR cargo aircraft powered by an electric motor and hydrogen fuel cell.

Under the deal, ASL will provide Zeroavia with a retired ATR72 plane for the project which Zeroavia will use to demonstrate the technology.

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ASL will then convert a number of its own freight aircraft to the engine, potentially launching zero-emission planes from 2026 onwards, a statement said.

Dave Andrew, chief executive of ASL Aviation Holdings, said Zeroavia would support the Irish company in providing cargo services and "vital connectivity" in a sustainable way without waiting for new aircraft types.

“Zeroavia’s early flight test successes are promising, and we are also excited by the extensive research and development they have put into the green hydrogen production and the refueling ecosystem needed to support air operations,” he added.

Zero emissions

Val Miftakhov, chief executive and founder, Zeroavia, noted that ASL was prioritising zero-emissions technology.

Given the company's success in demonstrating the technology, and its research and development, Mr Miftakhov said Zeroavia was "confident that this partnership will lead to some of the earliest commercial freight operations using hydrogen-electric propulsion".

His company is focusing on developing hydrogen-electric engines for several markets, beginning with 500-mile range in nine- to 19-seat aircraft used for freight, passengers and other purposes.

Based in the UK and US, Zeroavia has secured experimental certificates for two prototype aircraft from British and American regulators.

The company says it has passed significant flight test milestones, and is on track to begin commercial operations in 2024.