Ampaire Raises £14M for Hybrid-Electric Aircraft Propulsion

Ampaire, a trailblazer in sustainable aviation solutions, has successfully closed a £14 million Series B funding round. This significant capital infusion is earmarked to accelerate the commercial deployment, bolster the supply chain, and scale up the manufacturing of its innovative hybrid-electric propulsion systems. The company's technology focuses on integrating electric power with existing jet engines to substantially reduce fuel consumption, cut harmful emissions, and lower operational expenses for airlines.

The latest funding round saw robust participation from key industry players, including a strategic investment from International Airlines Group (IAG) through its venture arm, IAGi Ventures. Additional backing came from Alaska Airlines and DiamondStream Partners, alongside contributions from other new and returning investors. This broad support underscores the growing confidence in Ampaire's approach to decarbonizing air travel.

Kevin Noertker, co-founder and CEO of Ampaire, emphasized the strategic importance of this funding. "This financing is about transforming our demonstrated hybrid-electric performance into certified products and establishing scaled operations," Noertker stated. "We have proven the technology in flight; this capital is crucial for advancing the commercialization, supply chain, manufacturing, and operational capabilities necessary to deliver value to our customers."

Ampaire's technology offers a practical pathway to emissions reduction by retrofitting existing aircraft. The company's hybrid-electric systems combine electric motors with traditional engines, optimizing performance for different flight phases. A particular focus for Ampaire, and a key area of interest for investors like IAG, is the application of this technology to Auxiliary Power Units (APUs). These units are vital for powering aircraft systems while on the ground, and electrifying them offers immediate fuel savings and emission reductions in a critical operational phase.

Raza Ali, Managing Partner at IAGi Ventures, highlighted the company's pragmatic vision. "Since Ampaire participated in our innovation program last year, we've been consistently impressed by their operational scope and the potential of their technology," Ali commented. "Their practical strategy for cutting aviation emissions is particularly exciting. We are keen to explore how hybrid-electric APU solutions can be integrated into aircraft currently in service, thereby reducing fuel usage during ground operations." Ampaire's prior engagement with IAG, which operates major carriers like British Airways, Iberia, and Aer Lingus, provided valuable insights into airline operational needs and the benefits of APU retrofits.

The aviation sector is under increasing pressure to meet ambitious sustainability targets, with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) aiming for net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Hybrid-electric technology represents a significant avenue for achieving these goals, particularly for short-haul and regional flights, which constitute a large portion of global air traffic. Ampaire's advancements position it to capture a substantial share of this evolving market, estimated to be worth billions of dollars in the coming decade as airlines invest in fleet modernization and emissions reduction strategies.