On June 27, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines announced that it has signed a tripartite memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Conscious Aerospace (CA) and Transavia for the operation of hydrogen fuel cell-based aircraft.
This agreement aims to facilitate the future operation of the 'Dash 8-300' regional aircraft equipped with CA's hydrogen fuel cell powertrain. The three companies plan to share insights on seating and cargo design in order to derive the optimal aircraft configuration, taking into account potential markets and route networks. In addition, they will jointly refine cost estimates related to maintenance and operations, thereby exploring the commercial viability of aircraft fitted with CA’s powertrain.
Barri Ter Bort, Chief Experience Officer (CXO) and Executive Vice President (EVP) of KLM, stated, "Our participation in this agreement is part of KLM's ongoing efforts to reduce the environmental impact of the aviation industry. Aircraft based on new technologies such as hydrogen fuel cells may initially accommodate fewer passengers and have limited carbon reduction effects, but we are committed to moving toward a sustainable future with our partners, believing that 'small beginnings lead to big changes.'"
CA is an innovative Dutch company leading the sustainable aviation industry. It is implementing a large-scale retrofit program for regional aircraft using electric propulsion technology based on liquid hydrogen and fuel cells. Transavia, a subsidiary of the Air France-KLM Group, operates flights to more than 100 destinations across Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa.
(From left) Barri Ter Bort, CXO and EVP of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Eric Heirchemma, CEO of Conscious Aerospace, and Marlus Van Laaker, COO of Transavia, are signing a tripartite business agreement related to the development of hydrogen fuel cell aircraft. Provided by KLM Airlines
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