Navigating Challenges and Learning Along the Way

Like any company, H55 has faced its fair share of challenges, particularly around certification, which CEO Martin Larose identifies as the most significant hurdle. "In aerospace, getting certification is key. Prototyping is important, but certification is a whole different ballgame," Larose explains. The process is complex, with different standards across Europe, the U.S., and Canada. "Each agency has its own interpretation of regulations, especially with new technologies," he says, noting that harmonizing these certification processes is a challenge they are working on.

Larose emphasizes that these challenges requirethe importance of understanding why these processes exist. "It's about having the right mix of expertise, from aerospace to automotive, and using that to move forward," he says, clearly expressing their unstoppable drive for a better future.

Flight schools are pioneers in adapting the electric propulsion technology

The reception from the aviation industry has been overwhelmingly positive, especially from sectors like flight schools, where small electric planes are already in demand. "Flight schools are one of our first applications. They are attracted to this offering as the economics are interesting, the technology is reliable, and this is a concrete illustration of how the aviation industry can reduce carbon emissions. Students love it—it's good for the environment and it's cool," Larose shares. He also points to hybrid electric systems for short-haul flights as the next big step for the industry, offering a potential 35% reduction in both costs and CO2 emissions when combined with combustion engines.

From lab to market and from start-up to scale-up

While science and innovation remain central to H55's activities, the company is now entering a phase where revenue generation is becoming a priority. "We're moving from the lab to full-scale production," Larose says. This shift requires technological expertise and careful management of timelines, milestones, and financial resources. "We've been good at assessing when to stay agile and when to become more structured, particularly as we scale up," he explains. For example, while early-stage battery development could be done manually, the move to mass production requires automation and stricter protocols. This adaptability has been crucial as H55 prepares to launch large-scale production of its electric propulsion systems, with facilities in Sion, Switzerland, and Canada.

The future of H55 is bright, with several key milestones on the horizon. The primary focus in the coming months will be achieving certification for their battery systems and electric propulsion units, paving the way for mass production. "Once we have these certifications, we can confirm commercial orders and begin supporting sales with European aircraft builders," Larose notes. The company is also proud of its recent progress in establishing a production facility in Canada at a speed of execution that has been particularly impressive. "For me, it's important that we are always moving forward. We've built an amazing company in just seven years," added Larose. H55 is well on its way to making aviation cleaner and more sustainable for generations to come.

H55

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