H55

H55 emerged as a technological spin-off from Solar Impulse, the solar plane traveling from Japan to Hawaii without additional fuel. This worldwide first-timer aimed to harness the learnings and achievements from that endeavor for something new. While the aviation industry was initially skeptical about the feasibility of electric propulsion, this changed rapidly. "They used to say it was impossible, but then later they came to us for advice," Blatt remarks. It was clear early on that H55 wanted to be more than just a consulting company. But H55 also didn't want to build airplanes themselves. "We wanted to make our technology available to various industry players: airplane builders, suppliers, operators," he says. The company's core expertise lies in energy management, ensuring that electric propulsion is both efficient and safe.

Breakthroughs in certification and international recognition

Steady developments and significant breakthroughs have marked the progress of H55. According to Blatt, one pivotal moment was being selected by major industry players such as Pratt & Whitney Canada and gaining attention from regulatory bodies like the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). "We had good technology, and we were professional. That's what mattered," he says. This validation helped propel the company forward. H55 also managed to attract international venture capital, a rarity for Swiss-based companies, thanks to its well-protected intellectual property and the strength of the "Swiss-made" label. "There's so much Swiss engineering behind H55 that people don't even know about," Blatt proudly states.

One of the company's most significant milestones is the certification of its first electric propulsion system, expected by the end of the 2025. Blatt describes this as a breakthrough that will enable H55 to start commercial deliveries. The certification process is vital in aviation, where safety is paramount and there is zero room for errors. "Aviation is highly regulated, and certification is non-negotiable," Blatt notes.

Teaming up passion for aviation and a clean future

H55 has also been highly successful in attracting talent. With its headquarters in Switzerland's Valais region, the company receives hundreds of job applications from around the world, drawn by both the quality of life in Switzerland and its mission. "We have 26 nationalities working together, creating a cultural richness in our company that's key to our success," Blatt says, emphasizing the blend of Swiss heritage and multiculturalism that defines H55. 

The employees at H55 are driven by a purpose. Blatt passionately describes how the company's mission aligns with the growing global demand for sustainable solutions. "Young engineers who are passionate about the environment are drawn to us," he says. For many at H55, the chance to work on electric propulsion systems is the perfect way to combine a love for aviation with the desire to do something positive for the planet. 

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.