Atkins, part of the SNC-Lavalin Group, has entered into a strategic agreement with the UK’s Electric Aviation Group (EAG). The collaboration will accelerate the development of new, sustainable aviation technologies as EAG advances its plans for H2ERA, a zero emission, regional aircraft fuelled by hybrid hydrogen-electric technology.  

The partnership offers EAG ready access to Atkins’s extensive aerospace capabilities and resources as it progresses its proprietary hybrid electric and hydrogen technologies. Its H2ERA aircraft is on track to launch in 2030, making it the world’s first true zero emission 90-seater regional aircraft. 

“The increasing international demand for air transport means the development of clean aircraft technologies is critical to driving down global carbon emissions.” said Ian L. Edwards, president and CEO of SNC-Lavalin. “Our aerospace experts are bringing decades of experience to this burgeoning market to help spearhead the pioneering technology that will deliver commercial-scale, zero emission aircraft,” he said.

Kamran Iqbal, founder and CEO of Electric Aviation Group, said: “EAG aims to be the market leader in developing disruptive sustainable technologies for the transportation industry with an acute focus on hydrogen powered aviation. Central to achieving this is teaming up with ‘best in class’ industrial and academic partners to co-develop the key building blocks to realise our goals. Our partnership with Atkins has secured a wealth of resources which will enable us to continue the development of our unique technology and deliver the world’s first true zero emission 90-seater hydrogen hybrid electric regional aircraft.” 

Atkins president Philip Hoare said: “This exciting partnership will combine our aerospace capabilities with EAG’s cutting-edge technologies. The development of a zero emission, large regional-scale aircraft is a crucial milestone on the path towards sustainable aviation and we are delighted to be supporting Electric Aviation Group as they commercialise their innovative solutions.”

Atkins’s aerospace team will provide EAG with multi-layered strategic business and technical support as it commercialises its unique proprietary technology, from specialist business advisory services to safety assessments and specification, integration and certification. 

The partnership builds on decades of landmark aviation projects across the SNC-Lavalin Group, ranging from design and certification of major aircraft programmes, global airport infrastructure design and the development of sustainable aviation projects including electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, as well as its expanding presence in the global ecosystem of new aerospace ventures and start-ups.