Universal Hydrogen and Elix Aviation Management to partner on H2-fueled Regional Aircraft
Universal Hydrogen is working to convert a turboprop regional aircraft to run on carbon-free H2 in the near future.
The company has received the delivery of a Dash 8-300 aircraft from aircraft leasing firm Elix Aviation Management.
Universal Hydrogen Co-Founder and CEO Paul Eremenko said, “As our order book continues to grow across commercial and cargo airlines, lessors and others, we are also focused on a key objective for 2022—first flight. With this agreement with Elix we have secured our first flight test aircraft, which we are already busy working to convert to run on hydrogen at our Moses Lake, Washington facility.”
Additionally, under a letter of intent (LOI), Elix Aviation Management is purchasing 10 conversion kits from Universal Hydrogen for installation in its current and future Elix leased fleet. Elix has been offered the flexibility to select any combination of the Dash 8-300 or ATR 72-500/600 conversion kits.
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Formerly known as the de Havilland Canada DHC-8, was introduced in the regional flight market in the 1980s and has been utilized by a number of small, regional airlines. Its nautical range is close to 930 miles and cruising speed of more than 400 MPH.
Elix Aviation CEO John Moore said, “Collaborating with Universal Hydrogen is a continuation of our streak of innovation in the aviation leasing industry. Universal Hydrogen’s mission to decarbonize aviation enables Elix to provide this opportunity to our airline customers to contribute to reducing carbon emissions as our industry continues to grow.”
The two firms will also collaborate on marketing Universal Hydrogen’s fuel service and logistics solution to Elix’s customers.