UK-based zero-emissions regional turboprop lessor Monte Aircraft Leasing has signed a letter of intent with Cranfield Aerospace Solutions (CAeS) to purchase 40 modification kits to convert Britten-Norman Islanders to hydrogen-electric power.

The agreement will bring financing and leasing solutions to sub-regional operators to enable them to adopt zero-emissions aircraft operations. The offering will also include the required infrastructure to support operating the converted aircraft. As a part of the agreement, Monte will become CAeS' recommended financing partner and Cranfield will become Monte's exclusive electric-hydrogen Britten-Norman Islander provider.

The combination of CAeS' 33 years experience in the design and certification of complex modifications to aircraft, coupled with Monte's expert knowledge of the sub-regional aviation market, and both companies' passion for decarbonising aviation produces a strong and mutually beneficial partnership.

The deal represents an important step towards CAeS' ambition of developing the world's first fully certified, zero-emissions, hydrogen aircraft and Monte's goal of becoming one of the world's first zero emission aircraft lessors by 2027.

Monte director Timothy Eyre says: “We are excited to announce our partnership with CAeS, which allows us to offer converted electric-hydrogen Britten-Norman Islander aircraft to regional turboprop operators. This partnership represents another important milestone on our journey to becoming carbon neutral by 2027, and we look forward to working with the CAeS team on this exciting opportunity.”

CAeS CEO Paul Hutton adds: “We are delighted to be able to sign this deal with Monte Aircraft Leasing, a company that we believe shares the same ambitions and values as us. It's an extremely exciting time for Cranfield Aerospace Solutions as we continue to gain sales momentum in the market, and this deal is another example of the confidence in our expertise and capabilities as an approved aircraft organisation backed by decades of experience.”