The aviation sector is working on a plan for a first zero-emission commercial aviation route in 2024 with a 19-seater aircraft between Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTHA) and London. The aircraft, which is being developed by ZeroAvia, flies entirely on hydrogen. Aviation partners ZeroAvia, Royal Schiphol Group, the Rotterdam The Hague Innovation Airport foundation and the airport itself have today concluded a collaboration agreement to realize this ambition.

With the agreement, a plan has been drawn up to realize the emission-free air route. It is potentially the first international commercial operation in the world with a hydrogen device. ZeroAvia and Royal Schiphol Group are in advanced discussions with airlines to find an operator for the planned route.

“This deal means that in just three years you should be able to board a flight and make the one-hour journey between the UK and the Netherlands without worrying about the impact on the climate. Together with partners such as Royal Schiphol Group, we will make real zero-emission flights for passengers in the first half of this decade.”

To set up this commercial route, ZeroAvia and Royal Schiphol Group will collaborate to develop hydrogen refueling at the airport and integrate it with airport processes. The two companies also focus on commerce, infrastructure and regulation.

ZeroAvia recently established an entity in the Netherlands. This offers ZeroAvia opportunities in the field of commercialization and cooperation with airports, manufacturers and/or airlines within the Netherlands and the European Union.

"Boarding an emission-free flight from Rotterdam to London is only the beginning of sustainable aviation and is made possible by pioneering and driving innovation in the sector. With the Netherlands as a testing ground for aviation, we strengthen our competitive and knowledge position and the business climate."

New technology from ZeroAvia

ZeroAvia has focused the development of these aircraft on a hydrogen-electric powertrain (using hydrogen fuel cells to power electric motors). According to the company, it is a viable way to make aviation more sustainable on a large scale. ZeroAvia's hydrogen-electric system is groundbreaking. The only emission is water vapor at manageable temperatures, which makes a sustainable flight possible. Hydrogen-electric technology has the added benefit of lower operating costs, which can make routes more attractive to airlines, airports and passengers.

“This collaboration marks an important milestone and puts the operational expertise of hydrogen flight into practice in the Netherlands.”

The aviation sector is working on a plan to fly a hydrogen-powered aircraft from Rotterdam The Hague Airport to London from 2024.
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