Clearwings
Clearwings is a Dutch startup working on a smart solution for more sustainable flying. Instead of building new aircraft, Clearwings converts existing aircraft into electric aircraft. This is called retrofitting: an aircraft is upgraded by replacing its kerosene engine with an electric battery-powered drive system. This is faster, cheaper, and much more environmentally friendly than building new aircraft.
Electric flying, without a new aircraft
At the small Kempen Airport in Brabant, Clearwings is working on their first electric aircraft. They have converted a Cessna 150 and tested it on the runway. The first real test flights are planned for 2026. Ultimately, they want to make these conversion kits available for commonly used small passenger planes with 2 to 19 seats, primarily used for short flights up to 500 kilometers.
Clearwings ensures that aircraft remain safe and stable after conversion. The fuel tanks and other combustion components are replaced with batteries and an electric motor. And because electricity is much cheaper than kerosene, such an aircraft saves up to 95% on fuel costs. That means less noise, less pollution, and much lower costs per flight.
Investing
The Future Friendly Fund is investing €40,000 in Clearwings to enable test flights, certification, and market introduction. Thanks to previous subsidies and collaborations, there is already a solid foundation. Clearwings wants to offer its electric conversion technology throughout Europe in the coming years.
With this investment, the Future Friendly Fund helps accelerate the sustainability of aviation with smart innovations that are applicable in the short term.
Innovation
Biofuels do not solve the problem of polluting aviation. Real progress requires radical innovation and creative solutions. Here you can read how and why we invest in aviation innovation.
