Initial plans and images of what will be the first prototype of a 100% electric aircraft show that more sustainable aircraft are getting closer to becoming a reality. In fact, the consortium expects this initial prototype to be certified for flight in three years time, representing a major milestone for the aviation industry.

The collaboration involves the two major aircraft operators, Dante Aeronautical, artificial intelligence companies such as DataBeaco, engineering and technology innovation companies in the aviation sector, including the Spanish multinational CT, as well as public research organisations such as CIDAUT (the Foundation for Transport and Energy Research and Development - Fundación para la Investigación y Desarrollo en Transporte y Energía) and CIDETEC (The Specialised Energy-Storage Research Centre - Centro de Investigación Especializado en el Almacenamiento de Energía). The project is a clear example of commitment to technological innovation and sustainability.

“We started our collaboration with Dante Aeronautical back in 2019 and are very proud to see how the project has grown and gained momentum with the support of new partners, including several Spanish technology companies. The development of an electric aircraft using hydrogen battery technology will reduce carbon emissions. It makes complete sense for Volotea to support this project since it’s completely in line with our goal of connecting underserviced cities and doing so in ways that are more sustainable,” stated Carlos Muñoz, Volotea’s founder and CEO.

Carlos Bertomeu, Air Nostrum’s CEO, emphasised that the Valencian airline is experienced in working with SMEs and institutions. “The benefits of Air Nostrum’s collaborations with technology start-ups and universities to improve efficiency and passenger services are proven,” he stated. “As a leading regional airline, Air Nostrum clearly had much to contribute to this exciting project, especially in regards to sustainability, which is something that we have been working on for many years,” he concluded.

Miguel Madinabeitia, Dante Aeronautical’s co-founder, highlighted the agreement reached: “For Dante Aeronautical, expanding the consortium to include other innovative technology companies can only strengthen our plan to develop a 100% electric aircraft, which will revolutionise current thinking and move us towards cleaner and more sustainable transportation”. “This project also sits perfectly with our efforts in other parts of the world, such as our initiative in Australia to electrify hydroplanes,” stated Madinabeitia.

ABOUT VOLOTEA

Volotea was founded in 2011 by Carlos Munoz and Lázaro Ros, previously founders of Vueling, is one of the fastest-growing independent airlines in Europe, increasing year-on-year its fleet, routes served, and seats offered. Since its start, Volotea has carried more than 35 million passengers across Europe.

Volotea is based in 17 European small and mid-sized capitals: Asturias, Athens, Bilbao, Bordeaux, Cagliari, Genoa, Hamburg, Lyon, Marseille, Nantes, Naples, Olbia, Palermo, Strasbourg, Toulouse, Venice and Verona. Volotea serves more than 100 cities across 16 countries including Algeria which will be launched in December, from France.

In 2020 Volotea signed an agreement with Bureau Veritas, a world leader in testing, inspection and certification, in order to verify the successful implementation of health and hygiene measures. Volotea is the world’s first airline to have its preventive measures against Covid-19 audited by Bureau Veritas.

Volotea is becoming a full Airbus carrier in 2021, by renewing part of its fleet with aircraft from the European manufacturer. The airline, which had planned to perform this fleet unification in 2023, has advanced its plans in order to improve its cost base over the next 2-3 years and increase its network offering, with aircraft that have a higher capacity and a longer flying range.

The airline has operated a fleet of 40 aircraft in summer 2021 versus 36 in 2019. In terms of volume, Volotea and has increased its seat capacity by up to 111% compared to summer 2019.

Volotea employs over 1,350 staff across Europe and was the most active airline in Summer 2020 among its main competitors in activity, seat-load factor, operational levels and customer satisfaction.

More info at www.volotea.com

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