Electric aircraft developer Ampaire and sustainable infrastructure provider Black & Veatch have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for expanding electrified aviation infrastructure.
Under the partnership, the companies will focus on planning, engineering and building infrastructure for electric air mobility at airports.
The two firms will work with early adopters in the Americas, Europe and Asia.
Black & Veatch and Ampaire intend to create a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) supply chain and provide clean-energy-powered charging using solar and energy storage.
Ampaire global partnerships senior vice-president Susan Ying said: “Ampaire is committed to putting zero-emissions aircraft into widespread service by mid-decade.
“These hybrid-electric aircraft will benefit from the buildout of SAF and electric charging infrastructure, making zero-emission possible for meaningful service range.
“Aircraft companies must be involved in defining airport fuelling and charging infrastructure. We are therefore very pleased to work with Black & Veatch on this common objective.”
Under this new initiative, the two firms aim to involve a wide range of air and ground side stakeholders who will benefit from the shared infrastructure.
Black & Veatch global transportation initiatives associate vice-president Paul Stith said: “Governments, companies and communities around the world are making lowering their carbon footprints a priority, and the transportation sector is helping accelerate positive change.
“Decarbonisation of aviation is challenging and requires technology and collaboration. Tackling emissions with concurrent SAF and electrification strategies offers a shining example of what’s possible in doing things cleaner and greener, and we’re excited about working with Ampaire to reshape tomorrow’s air mobility through infrastructure and innovation.”
