Torres Strait Air has agreed to financing from Monte Aircraft Leasing for the integration of hydrogen-electric propulsion system technology from Cranfield Aerospace Solutions (CAeS) into the 10 Islander aircraft it is to purchase from Britten-Norman as part of a five-year fleet renewal programme valued at $25 million.

The deal will enable the Australia-based charter company, which currently operates a fleet of 11 aircraft from Horn Island, to serve the vital air transport needs of the Torres Strait community in a sustainable way with zero-emission flight.

CEO Daniel Takai 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.”

CAeS chief strategy officer Jenny Kavanagh says: “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 its Islands.”

Monte COO Timothy Eyre adds: “We are excited to support Torres Strait Air in the decarbonisation of its 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"

CAeS and Monte's partnership vision, dating back to November 2022 when Monte signed an LOI to purchase 40 modification kits from CAeS, is to bring financing and leasing solutions to sub-regional operators to enable them to adopt zero-emissions aircraft operations.