MONTE Aircraft Leasing Limited (MONTE) has announced a three-party agreement with Cranfield Aerospace Solutions (CAeS) and Torres Strait Air, an Australian air charter company, for up to ten Britten-Norman Islander aircraft converted to hydrogen-electric power.
The deal emerged after Torres Strait Air inked a letter of intent for ten new conventional Britten-Norman Islander aircraft.
This will see MONTE catapulted to the world’s leader in financing low-emission and zero-emission technologies in the regional aviation segment.
This agreement will allow the Australian regional operator to have access to proper financing for its existing aircraft, and see CAeS integrate its hydrogen-electric propulsion system technologies.
Origins of partnership
CAeS and MONTE’s partnership vision dates back to November 2022. This began when MONTE inked an LOI to purchase 40 modification kits from CAeS, which would introduce financing and leasing solutions to regional operators.
This opens opportunities for smaller air operators to finance clean energy aircraft. With the deal, Torres Strait Air be able to convert a fleet of strong eleven aircraft from Horn Island to service underserved destinations with sustainable air links.
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Jenny Kavanagh Chief Strategy Officer at CAeS, stated: “We’re delighted to be expanding into the Australian market with our world-leading hydrogen propulsion technology, working with MONTE to enable Torres Strait Air to bring zero emissions air services to their Islands.”
Timothy Eyre Chief Operating Officer at MONTE stated: “We are excited to support Torres Strait Air in the decarbonization of their fleet and look forward to working with our partners at Cranfield Aerospace Solutions on this exciting project.”
“This agreement highlights MONTE’s commitment to supporting regional aviation operators globally with their sustainability goals”.
Daniel Takai Chief Executive Officer at Torres Strait Air says: “This partnership with Cranfield Aerospace Solutions and MONTE Aircraft Leasing is the commencement of our journey towards a more sustainable future for Torres Strait and its people.”
“I am very excited about this opportunity and look forward to working alongside our partners as the technology develops to achieve our goal of zero-carbon emissions in our aviation operations.”
About MONTE
MONTE is well known for financing zero and low-emission technologies in the regional aviation market.
The company seeks to uplift the aviation industry’s commitment and transition to net zero carbon emissions by providing financing and leasing solutions for sustainable aviation to smaller regional operators.
About Torres Strait Air
Torres Strait Air Pty Ltd (TSA) is an Australian First Nation Torres Strait Islands private aviation company. It has been operating for nearly a decade, primarily as a fixed-wing air charter operation.
The airline primarily operates on Government-subsidised routes, as part of its initiative to connect rural areas to larger populated ones.
The Australian air charter operator recently inked a Letter of Intent (LOI) with UK manufacturer Britten-Norman for the acquisition of the 10 new islander aircraft which will undergo conversion under the newly brokered agreement.
It currently operates with a fleet of 7 Britten-Norman Islanders, which serve as a crucial lifeline for the local community and contribute significantly to the region’s economy.
MONTE’s initiative champions regional carriers to fly in the most sustainable way possible, proving that aviation could be environmentally friendly regardless of size and capital.
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