Dovetail Electric Aviation unveiled the latest version of their groundbreaking hydrogen-electric powerplant prototype for aviation in Seville, marking a historic milestone in sustainable aviation. This event, the first of its kind in Spain, showcased cutting-edge technology aimed at revolutionizing the aviation industry. It follows previous efforts earlier in the year, where Dovetail became the first company ever to demonstrate at an Australian airport a hydrogen electric powerplant for aviation.

The powerplant developed by Dovetail will enable existing passenger (and cargo) aircraft under 20 passengers to serve regional routes, for example connecting Mediterranean archipelagos within, and with the continent. Or opening interesting new routes like Faro to Jerez, in the south of Portugal and Spain respectively, which could connect the two countries in less than a third of the time currently required to travel from one international airport to the other by other means of transport.

Dovetail is developing a technology that enables the conversion of existing aircraft to emission-free electric. This technology will reduce operating costs by 40% for regional airlines and allow new regional routes to be opened that were previously not economically viable.

Dovetail’s powerplant has been designed with commonality in mind and is capable of powering all the best sellers in the under 20 passenger category, like the Cessna Caravan, Beechcraft King Air, Twin Otter and Pilatus PC-12 among others. In particular, the system demonstrated in Seville has been customized to be mounted in a King Air, with all components (except the hydrogen tank) packed within the production aircraft engine nacelle.

Since 2022, Dovetail has been looking for a location to develop its project in Europe, opting for Spain and Andalusia for this first phase of trials. In this process it has had the collaboration of the Regional Ministry of Economy, Finance and European Funds, through Andalucía TRADE. Dovetail is currently in talks with the Andalusian Regional Government, as well as with other regional governments, to choose the location of its future Operations Centre in Spain. The company expects to make this decision in the coming months.

The prototype project has been partially funded by Spain’s ICEX through its Innova Invest program, demonstrating the global nature of Dovetail’s efforts to decarbonize aviation, with precursor work done in Australia with the support of the Victorian Government, now taken to the next level with ICEX funding in Spain. The circle will be closed with a first flight planned for next year in Australia.

ICEX funding underscores Spain’s commitment to advancing zero-emission technologies in aviation and supporting innovative projects that align with global environmental goals.

Dovetail Electric Aviation’s Open Day event in Seville was attended by key officials, including local government representatives, as well as delegates from prominent tech and aviation companies from the international sphere. The Australian Government was also represented by the Deputy Head of Mission at the Australian Embassy in Spain, Peter Kakogiannis. This diverse representation underscores the global interest and collaborative spirit in advancing sustainable aviation technologies.

David Doral, CEO and co-founder of Dovetail Electric Aviation, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, "It is exciting to see things coming together, breaking new ground with a committed team of individuals, a joint mission to decarbonize aviation, and a shared vision to be the spearhead in both Europe and Oceania of sustainable air transport. The work presented today is instrumental for our next step, a first flight, now only months away rather than years".

José Manuel Alba, Secretary General of Economy of the Andalusian Ministry of Economy, Finance and European Funds, emphasised the importance of supporting innovative projects that generate investment in Andalusia: “The fact that an Australian startup chooses Andalusia for the development of a project like this shows us that the change is real and that the innovative, sustainable and high growth capacity economic model that we work for from the Andalusian Government is convincing those who from the beginning have to be the decisive actors of this change, the entrepreneurs.” In this sense, José Manuel Alba, highlighted the work that his department, through Andalucía TRADE, has been carrying out for this company to consolidate its project in Andalusia.

ICEX was represented by the Director of Financing and Investor Relations, Alberto Sanz Serrano, who congratulated the company for having chosen Spain as the base for the development of the project: “Spain has important features for research and product development activities, such as access to talent, a network of top-quality technology centres and excellent conditions for international business expansion”. He announced that the Innova Invest programme will soon launch a new competitive call to support projects such as Dovetail's that attract innovative activities to Spain. He also congratulated the company for having found investors and partners to develop the project in Spain.

In Spain, Dovetail Electric Aviation is supported by top investors such as VOLOTEA, Air Nostrum and Aciturri, further solidifying its position as a leader in the sustainable aviation sector. These partnerships enhance Dovetail's capabilities and resources, enabling the company to push the boundaries of innovation in the aviation industry. Dovetail is in the process of closing a 2nd tranche of its Seed funding round, with parties committed and others in advanced due diligence process.

Dovetail Electric Aviation is a pioneer in the development of battery and hydrogen fuel cell propulsion systems for commercial aviation. With operations in Australia and Spain, Dovetail is dedicated to reducing the carbon footprint of aviation and achieving a zero-emissions future. Their innovations in sustainable aviation technology are not only meeting the highest standards but also setting the stage for future certifications and advancements in the industry.

The successful demonstration of the hydrogen-electric powerplant prototype represents a significant step towards decarbonizing regional aviation. With strong support from both public and private sectors, including substantial investments from ICEX, Dovetail is well-positioned to become one of the leaders in sustainable aviation at an European, Australian and global level. This event highlights the company's ongoing commitment to innovation and its pivotal role in the transition to a greener, more sustainable future for aviation.