Swiss aviation startup Sirius Aviation will unveil its hydrogen-electric luxury business aircraft at London’s MOVE Expo this week.
The company claims its Sirius Jet is the world’s first hydrogen-powered Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft.
It was designed in collaboration with BMW Group’s consultancy Designworks and Formula 1 team Sauber Group.
Established in 2021, Sirius Aviation aims to address ‘flight shaming’ in the private sector with its zero-emission alternative which also saves time and operation costs.
“We’re filling the gap for people who want to live in an eco-conscious world while also having the right to own a business jet, instead of facing bullying and harassment,” Sirius Aviation CEO Alexey Popov told Zag Daily.
Popov predicts that demand for sustainable jets in the luxury space will rise after an increasing number of high-profile figures have sold their aircrafts because of criticism they have faced.
This is also a trend he anticipates for the larger commercial aviation space, after France passed a bill last year to ban short-haul flights that could be made by a 2.5 hour train journey instead.
“In the next few years we will see this happen in the US and the rest of Europe.”
Sirius’ specifications
The aircraft’s hydrogen-propulsion system sees oxygen drawn in which then reacts with hydrogen stored in a fuselage tank. This reaction produces electricity to power motors, and water vapour which is disposed of through the vehicle’s exhaust.
Popov also explained that hydrogen power reduces operational costs of the jet, with a full tank requiring 65 litres of liquid-hydrogen to complete its full range.
Sirius plans to launch two zero-emission configurations of the aircraft in 2025: the Sirius Business Jet and the Sirius Millenium Jet. The former will serve private jet needs by accommodating three passengers and featuring a range of 1150 miles. Sirius’ Millenium Jet serves commercial needs, accommodates five passengers, and can travel a range of 650 miles.
Both configurations can cruise at 323 mph, reach an altitude of 30,000 feet, and feature a sound footprint of 60dBa.
Sirius Aviation anticipates high profit margins by launching in the luxury market, which can then be reinvested into scaling the company and using the technology to eventually develop an 18-seater aircraft.
“We have united the best experience, design and manufacturing from our partners and our expertise to create a vehicle that represents the first historical blend of a car and an aircraft – the Sirius Jet.”
