Monte Aircraft Leasing is stepping up its plans to build an electric aviation portfolio by signing a letter of intent with Cranfield Aerospace Solutions (CAeS) for 40 Britten-Norman Islanders converted to hydrogen-electric power. UK-based CAeS is developing a conversion package for the nine-seat commuter aircraft, which are currently powered by piston or turboprop engines.
The agreement announced on November 3 covers modification kits for aircraft that would then be marketed on lease or financing terms to “sub-regional” operators. The announcement did not specify how the preowned Islanders will be sourced, but the CAeS says a network of approved partners will do the conversion work.
In October, UK-based Monte ordered 25 of the Eco Caravan aircraft, which is being developed by Ampaire. The agreement includes options for another 25 Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft with the hybrid-electric conversion.
Earlier this year, Monte agreed to buy 100 of the ZA600 hydrogen-electric powertrains that ZeroAvia is developing to convert aircraft including the Caravan, the DHC-6 Twin Otter, and the Dornier 228 regional airliners. ZeroAvia is aiming to get its conversion kits approved under supplemental type certificates by 2024. Monte has set an objective to become what it says will be the world’s first carbon-neutral aircraft leasing company by 2027.
The CAeS team now aims to have the converted Islanders approved to enter commercial service in 2026, which is up to a year later than previously announced. The company has longer-term plans to convert a 19-seat regional aircraft to hydrogen power and behind that work on 100-seat airliners. It already holds a commitment from German regional airline Evia Aero to buy 10 of the conversion kits.
