Hybrid-electric aviation pioneer Ampaire has secured £14m in Series B funding to accelerate the commercialisation, supply chain, and manufacturing of its sustainable aircraft propulsion systems.
Ampaire develops hybrid-electric retrofit technologies designed to integrate with existing commercial aircraft, combining electric propulsion systems with conventional engines to lower fuel burn, reduce emissions, and cut airline operating costs.
“This financing is about turning proven hybrid-electric performance into certified products and scaled operations,” said Kevin Noertker, co-founder and chief executive of Ampaire.
“We have demonstrated the technology in flight; this capital advances the commercialisation, supply chain, manufacturing and operating capabilities required to put it to work for customers.”
The funding round saw investment from International Airlines Group (IAG) via its corporate venture arm, IAGi Ventures, alongside backing from Alaska Airlines, DiamondStream Partners, and other new and existing investors.
Ampaire was previously part of an accelerator run by IAG, which owns airlines including British Airways, Iberia and Aer Lingus.
During its time on the programme, Ampaire worked with IAG to understand the benefits of retrofitting hybrid-electric Auxiliary Power Units (APUs), which are small power units at the back of an aircraft that keep systems running while the aircraft is on the ground.
“Since Ampaire joined our innovation programme last year, we have been impressed by both the scale of its operations and the potential of its technology,” said Raza Ali, managing partner at IAGi Ventures.
“What excites us most is its practical approach to reducing aviation emissions and we look forward to exploring how hybrid-electric APU solutions could be fitted to aircraft already in service today to reduce aircraft fuel consumption on the ground.”
