Monte Aircraft Leasing has now fully committed to purchasing up to 100 of ZeroAvia’s hydrogen fuel cell powertrains to turn its fleet of nine- to 19-seat regional turboprops into more sustainable, hydrogen-powered aircraft. 

At the Paris Airshow last week, Monte and ZeroAvia announced that they now have signed a definitive purchase agreement following a memorandum of understanding signed last summer. 

As part of the agreement, Monte has secured the first build slots for ZeroAvia’s 600-kilowatt ZA600 hydrogen fuel cell powertrains, which ZeroAvia will install on existing and new Cessna Caravan, DHC-6 Twin Otter, Dornier 228, and HAL-228 regional turboprops in Monte’s fleet, beginning in 2025.

“Through this partnership, we have strengthened Monte’s position in the zero-emission, regional turboprop market and enhanced our ability to offer operators solutions to decarbonize their fleets,” said Monte chief operating officer Timothy Eyre.

While Monte works to convert its turboprop fleet to run on hydrogen power, the leasing company has also committed to purchasing new electric and hybrid-electric aircraft. In May, Monte and electric aircraft developer Eviation signed a letter of intent covering the purchase of up to 30 of Eviation's Alice all-electric, nine-seat commuter airplanes. Last fall Monte placed a firm purchase order with Ampaire for 25 hybrid-electric Eco Caravans.