Universal Hydrogen’s plans to convert existing aircraft to hydrogen propulsion have been boosted by commitments from three airline customers. Icelandair, Spain’s Air Nostrum, and Alaska-based Ravn Air have signed letters of intent to implement the start-up company’s plans to install hydrogen fuel cells and electric motors in DeHavilland Dash 8 and ATR72s by 2025, replacing their current Pratt & Whitney turboprop engines.
In a July 14 announcement, Icelandair confirmed it will be converting its five-ship Dash 8 fleet, which is operated on domestic routes and currently powered by a pair of PW123D turboprops. It will also work with California-based Universal Hydrogen to develop a fuel distribution system for getting the hydrogen capsules delivered directly to aircraft. This plan will involve local Icelandic hydrogen producers, as well as transportation companies and airports.
At the other end of Europe, Air Nostrum intends to purchase 11 of the conversion kits for ATR72-600 aircraft that are already in its fleet, and some that are due to be added. The new powertrains will replace the aircraft’s PW127 turboprop engines.
Air Nostrum is Spain’s leading regional airline and typically operates more than 75,000 flights each year. Some of its services are operated on behalf of the Iberia group.
The letter of intent signed by Anchorage-based Ravn Air covers the conversion of five of its Dash 8 aircraft. The agreement also covers hydrogen fuel supplies arranged by Universal Hydrogen to support its scheduled and charter services connecting remote communities throughout Alaska.
“Universal Hydrogen’s work across both fuel logistics and services, as well as aircraft conversions, would allow us to accelerate our pursuit of a fully decarbonized domestic fleet, and we’re thrilled about the option to be an early adopter that could bring hydrogen-powered Dash 8s to our skies in the next several years,” commented Icelandair president and CEO Bogi Nils Bogason.
Backed by a $20.5 million funding round that concluded in April, Universal Hydrogen is developing a 2-MW fuel cell powertrain. Its conversions will be made under an FAA supplemental type certificate, and could also include regional airliners such as the ATR42.
