The aviation industry is facing enormous challenges, particularly in terms of its environmental footprint. Against this backdrop, Scottish company Ecojet Airlines, formerly known as Fresh Airlines, has announced major ambitions to reduce CO2 emissions in air travel.
However, with the aim of establishing a sustainable airline, Ecojet has changed its launch plans and now plans to begin operations only in 2025. CEO Brent Smith announced that the company aims to "get everything right" before operating its first flights.
delay in the start
Ecojet originally planned to start operations as early as early 2024, with the first services flying between Edinburgh and Southampton. However, these ambitious plans were postponed due to internal considerations on how to properly implement the projects. Brent Smith commented on the reasons for the delay in an interview with *FlightGlobal*: "It seemed doable when first announced, but our team decided to do extra work to make sure we were well prepared."
The aviation authority has already applied for an Air Operator Certificate (AOC), which is an important step towards commencing flight operations. The airline's IATA designation and call sign are also expected to be announced soon.
aircraft fleet and environmental technologies
Ecojet Airlines plans to launch with the ATR72-600, a modern turboprop aircraft suitable for short-haul flights. In addition, the company intends to use DHC-6 Twin Otters, which may later be converted to hydrogen-electric engines from ZeroAvia. However, Smith admitted that the second aircraft type is unlikely to be operational for the first one to two years.
Dale Vince, co-owner of Ecojet and a well-known green energy tycoon, announced that up to 90.000 tons of carbon emissions could be saved annually by converting older aircraft to more environmentally friendly engines. This sustainable focus could make Ecojet a pioneer in the industry, as the company plans to become the world's first electric airline. Smith expects the first commercial flights to be operated using green hydrogen and ZeroAvia's technology in 2026.
Technology and partnerships
ZeroAvia's ZA600 powertrain, which is still subject to certification, will initially be used in the Cessna 208B Caravan before potentially being adapted for the Twin Otter. The powertrain's first deployments are planned for 2026. At the Farnborough International Airshow, Ecojet announced that it had reached an agreement with ZeroAvia to purchase up to 62 ZA2000 powertrains for the ATR72-600 aircraft, with 22 of these being firm orders and 40 as options.
In September 2023, business accelerator AMG Ventures, led by industry veteran Peter Davies, acquired a minority stake in Ecojet Airlines. This investment could help the company secure the necessary financial resources to realize its ambitious plans. Smith, a former pilot for the airline Flybe, and Vince are also significant shareholders in the airline.