Conscious Aerospace (CA), KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Transavia announced the signing of a trilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking the continuation of a dynamic collaboration aimed at exchanging operational and technical knowledge in the application of fuel cell-based propulsion systems for the Dash 8-300 regional aircraft. The announcement was conducted in the presence of a delegation of the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management led by Lieske Streefkerk-Arts, Deputy Director Civil Aviation, Head of Sustainable Aviation at the Paris Air Show at Le Bourget, Paris.

The trilateral collaboration is focused on the foreseen operation of a CA powertrain equipped Dash 8 aircraft. The cooperation will involve the exchange of insights on seat and cargo design choices for optimal aircraft design optimization, considering potential markets and route networks. Cost estimates for maintenance and general operation will be collectively refined to further identify real-world applications for the CA equipped aircraft.

“The development and application of innovative technology to decarbonize aviation needs international and national cooperation. Strong governmental support and collaboration between airframe manufacturers, engine manufacturers, regulatory authorities and customers are key elements to introduce new technology. I am very pleased that KLM and Transavia join our Program providing valuable operator insights for the development of our CA propulsion system. 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,” said Erik Geertsema, CEO Conscious Aerospace.

“KLM is committed to leading the way in reducing the environmental impact of aviation, and our involvement in projects like this reflects that commitment. While aircraft powered by new propulsion technologies, such as H₂ 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. By partnering with innovators like Conscious Aerospace and Transavia, we are taking steps toward a commercially viable solution. This collaboration shows our dedication to adopting new technologies and scaling them up. Together, we are helping to shape the future of aviation,” said Barry ter Voert, CXO & EVP Business Development KLM.

“At Transavia, we believe in a cleaner, quieter and more sustainable aviation industry. We aim to achieve this primarily through collaboration and a strong focus on innovation. That’s why we support ambitious and forward-thinking startups – not just financially, but by sharing knowledge and experience. We are proud to join Conscious Aerospace’s program, working together to explore and gain insights into new aircraft engine technologies. In doing so, we are helping to shape the aviation of tomorrow,” said Marloes van Laake COO of Transavia.