- Amelia is engaged in the feasibility phases of hydrogen-powered airplane or ground support equipment at airports. The insights gained from these analyses are directly contributing to the project’s understanding of real-world implementation challenges and opportunities.
Amelia, a major contributor in the ALRIGH2T project, brings extensive expertise and plays a key position in advancing sustainable aviation. Driven by a pioneering spirit and a strong commitment to decarbonization, Amelia is actively investigating and testing innovative technologies, including zero-emission solutions for both flight and ground operations.
Amelia: Safety, quality and a pioneering spirit in aviation
Regourd Aviation, operating under the commercial brand “Amelia,” is a mid-sized airline group with nearly 50 years of experience in air transport. Since its establishment as Regourd Aviation in 1976, Amelia has grown to include three airlines (Amelia in France, Amelia International in Slovenia, and Amelia Executive in Austria), three EASA Part 145 approved maintenance centers, and subsidiaries serving as growth hubs.
The group maintains agility and flexibility to meet diverse customer needs and is known for its strong focus on flight safety, quality, and a pioneering spirit in aviation. In 2024, Amelia generated €92.6 million in turnover, operated 10,722 flights, and served 249 destinations with a fleet of 18 aircraft. The group’s commitment to sustainable growth is a core value, deeply embedded in its DNA.
The Amelia team involved in the ALRIGH2T project operates within the broader framework of the group’s “HORIZON” CSR program. This program drives Amelia’s commitment to sustainable development, with a clear strategy and ambitious objectives for 2027, focusing on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) responsibilities.
ALRIGH2T: Amelia’s role in the hydrogen deployment study
Amelia plays an essential role in the ALRIGH2T project, aligning perfectly with the project’s overarching goals of exploring and deploying hydrogen-powered aircraft and other ground support equipment at airports. This aligns with Amelia’s “Pioneering Spirit” value, which emphasizes exploring and daring to innovate, and its “Sustainable Growth” value, built on integrating new requirements into specific markets.
Amelia’s main tasks within the ALRIGH2T project include studying, participating in risk analysis and eventually testing the deployment of hydrogen-powered aircraft or ground support equipment at airports where Amelia operates, in collaboration with other partners, including Groupe ADP, Groupe Europe Handling, and INERIS. This initiative is a concrete example of Amelia’s efforts to decarbonize ground operations and directly supports the ALRIGH2T project’s objectives.
A key challenge is the integration of these nascent technologies within existing airport infrastructures and airline procedures, while a significant benefit is the potential for substantial reductions in carbon emissions and noise pollution from ground operations. Amelia’s involvement highlights its commitment to innovative aspects of work within the ALRIGH2T project, focusing on tangible advancements towards zero-emission solutions.
A lasting commitment to hydrogen and zero-emission aviation
Amelia has a strong track record of engagement in sustainable aviation initiatives. While its direct partnership with Universal Hydrogen ended in 2024, it demonstrated Amelia’s early commitment to hydrogen-powered and zero-emission regional aircraft.
Beyond ALRIGH2T, Amelia is a founding member of AZEA (Alliance for Zero-Emission Aviation), a European alliance focused on defining the ecosystem changes needed to support the introduction of future zero-emission solutions. This involves collaborating with partners like ZeroAvia, Aura Aero, and Heart Aerospace. Amelia is also a member of the advisory board for Embraer’s Energia aircraft range.
In terms of good practices, Amelia’s comprehensive approach to decarbonization extends to various areas:
- Fleet Evolution: Modernizing with Embraer 190s (25% less fuel/seat-km) and an Airbus deployment.
- Contrail Mitigation: Since 2022, a Thales co-development reduced contrail climate impact by up to 70%, with full deployment from early 2025.
- Flight Operations Optimization: Continuous adjustments in speeds, routes, and piloting saved up to 6% fuel in 2024. The DECOR project with Thales further aims to reduce environmental impact.
- Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF): In 2024, Amelia used a 40% SAF blend for all Amsterdam departures, avoiding 802 tones of CO2. SAF constituted 3.6% of total fuel, exceeding regulations. Clients can opt for SAF.
- Ground Operations Decarbonization: Promoting electric ground handling and extended towing trials (40% taxiing fuel savings). ECOPOWER engine cleaning ensures eco-friendly maintenance.
Amelia’s comprehensive efforts across various operational aspects, combined with its active participation in projects like ALRIGH2T and industry alliances, underscore its pioneering mindset and unwavering commitment to driving the decarbonization of air transport.
