A Swiss aviation company, Sirius Aviation, has announced plans to develop a hydrogen-powered VTOL (vertical takeoff and landing) jet, aiming to create a high-performance, zero-emission aircraft propelled by a hydrogen-electric propulsion system. The company intends to introduce two versions of the aircraft, namely the Sirius Business Jet for private travel and the Sirius Millennium Jet for commercial aviation, both scheduled for completion by 2025.

Collaborating with BMW Group’s DesignWorks, Sauber Group, Alfleth Engineering AG, and ALD Group, Sirius Aviation is forging ahead with its innovative project. However, the company is yet to obtain airworthiness flight testing certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for any flight testing in the U.S. The typical development process for flying vehicles involves the creation of a prototype, remote flight testing, and subsequent crewed testing.

Founded in 2021, Sirius Aviation is not the only player in the VTOL development arena. Lilium, a company that has been testing its eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) jet, is working in collaboration with Lufthansa Group and is set to commence deliveries of its Lilium Jet in 2026. In comparison, Sirius aims to launch its service in 2028.

Furthermore, the industry is witnessing a growing interest in hydrogen-powered flying vehicles. LuftCar, based in Orlando, Florida, is also working on a hydrogen-powered eVTOL flying car with a modular design, capable of carrying up to nine passengers and covering a cruise distance range of 300 miles.