(from left): KLM business development EVP Barry ter Voert; Conscious Aerospace CEO Erik Geertsema; Transavia COO Marloes van Laake.
Dutch carrier KLM and its LCC Transavia signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with hydrogen propulsion specialist Conscious Aerospace at the Paris Air Show, advising on seat and cargo design for a re-engined De Havilland Dash 8-300.
“While aircraft powered by new propulsion technologies, such as hydrogen fuel cells, may initially carry fewer passengers and have a limited effect on our overall CO₂ footprint, we believe in starting small and thinking big,” KLM business development EVP Barry ter Voert said. “We are taking steps toward a commercially viable solution.”
Dutch firm Conscious Aerospace is working to design, build and certify a 2.1 MW powertrain, which will initially be retrofitted to Dash 8-300s. The aircraft will be deployed on regional passenger and cargo operations, using liquid hydrogen and fuel cell electric propulsion. The technology is expected to be ready by the late 2020s.
KLM and Transavia are assisting with the development of the hydrogen fuel cell technology, by giving airline input on cabin design, potential markets and routes, along with operating and maintenance cost estimates.
“Combined with the existing partnerships with EASA, De Havilland of Canada and our supply chain partners we now have all stakeholders on board for the next phase of the development,” Conscious Aerospace CEO Erik Geertsema said.
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