In a significant step towards sustainable aviation, Surcar Airlines, a pioneering startup that boasts a distinctive blend of Danish and Canarian capital, has inked a consequential agreement with ZeroAvia. The partnership is poised to retrofit Surcar Airlines’ Twin Otter seaplanes with the cutting-edge ZeroAvia ZA600 powertrain, marking a decisive stride towards electrifying aviation and enabling zero-emission flights within the picturesque expanse of the Canary Islands.
With strategic investment backing from entities including the esteemed Danish carrier Nordic Seaplanes, Surcar Airlines aims not only to introduce captivating and green sightseeing flights but also to inspire and lead other aviation operators towards embracing sustainable practices. Gerardo Morales-Hierro, the visionary Founder and CEO of Surcar Airlines, voiced the sentiment behind the venture, asserting, “Millions visit each year to witness the astounding natural beauty and UNESCO world heritage sites present in the Canary Islands. Working in collaboration with ZeroAvia will not only facilitate the delivery of cleaner flights but also foster positive impacts on the local community and the environment.”
At the core of Surcar Airlines’ ambitious vision is the selection of the de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter, a robust platform primed to resurrect the allure of seaplane travel. Although the airline will initially commence operations with conventionally powered aircraft, the ultimate goal is to transition to hydrogen-electric engines. This move aligns with Surcar Airlines’ commitment to environmental stewardship and a greener future for aviation. James Peck, the Chief Customer Officer at ZeroAvia, underscored the Canaries’ suitability as a testing ground for zero-emission flights, particularly for short island-to-island routes, highlighting the potential to replace combustion engines.
ZeroAvia’s recent achievement of completing ten test flights with its proprietary hydrogen-electric ZA600 powertrain aboard a Dornier 228 testbed signifies a notable stride towards its goal. This 600kW powertrain, tailored for aircraft ranging from nine to nineteen seats, is on track for certification within the upcoming two to three years. The company has also cemented its commitment through a Memorandum of Understanding with de Havilland of Canada, the Twin Otter’s type certificate holder.
As the aviation industry strives to reinvent itself in the face of mounting environmental concerns, Surcar Airlines and ZeroAvia’s collaboration stands as a testament to the potential for innovation and change. Their efforts not only promise cleaner and greener flights but also hint at a new era of aviation that places sustainability at the forefront. By charting a course towards zero-emission flights in the picturesque Canary Islands, Surcar Airlines and ZeroAvia are poised to inspire the industry at large, redefining what is possible in the realm of modern air travel.
