Engineering consultancy Atkins is to work the UK’s Electric Aviation Group to develop the H2ERA, a zero emission, regional aircraft fuelled by hybrid hydrogen-electric powertrain.
Electric Aviation Group’s (EAG) H2ERA is a 90-seater regional aircraft . Development of H2ERA began in 2017. The company plans to fly a demonstrator in 2026 and enter for the H2ERA to enter service in 2030.
Atkins, which is part of the SNC-Lavalin Group will help develop EAG’s proprietary hybrid electric and hydrogen technologies.
“The increasing international demand for air transport means the development of clean aircraft technologies is critical to driving down global carbon emissions.” said Ian Edwards, president and CEO of SNC-Lavalin. “Our aerospace experts are bringing decades of experience to this burgeoning market to help spearhead the pioneering technology that will deliver commercial-scale, zero emission aircraft.”
Kamran Iqbal, founder and CEO of Electric Aviation Group, said: “We aim to be the market leader in developing disruptive sustainable technologies for the transportation industry with an acute focus on hydrogen powered aviation.
“Our partnership with Atkins has secured a wealth of resources which will enable us to continue the development of our unique technology and deliver the world’s first true zero 90-seater hydrogen hybrid electric regional aircraft.”
Atkins’ Aerospace team will provide EAG with multi-layered strategic business and technical support as it commercializes its unique proprietary technology, from specialist business advisory services to safety assessments and specification, integration and certification.
The SNC-Lavalin Group has experience of the design and certification of major aircraft programs, airport infrastructure design and the development of sustainable aviation projects including electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft.
