HAV bolsters advisory board with appointment of ex-Fly Zero project director to gear up for its path to zero-emission flight.

Ex-ATI and GKN Aerospace veteran Chris Gear joins Hybrid Air Vehicles’ advisory board.

He joins HAV from the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI), the body in charge of developing the technology strategy for the UK aerospace sector, where he was Project Director of Fly Zero, the ATI’s flagship project aiming to realise zero-carbon emission commercial aviation by 2030.

Gear – an aerospace engineering veteran – brings with him over 50 years of experience in application of new materials, technologies and manufacturing processes to meet aerospace regulatory standards. Chris worked at GKN Aerospace for 37 years, spanning various roles, most recently as Chief Technology Officer.

We’re delighted to welcome Chris on board to drive forward Airlander 10’s planned entry into service in 2026. Through his leadership and experience in relation to zero carbon aviation, Chris is uniquely placed to assist and inform our technology development path, as we track towards entirely emission-free flight and bringing the world’s most efficient large aircraft into market.

Tom Grundy CEO, Hybrid Air Vehicles

I am passionate about aerospace and the opportunity to help develop the future of aviation where it is leading in developing a cleaner, green environment by new products and technology. Through my work in recent years I have seen first-hand the potential of various zero-emission technologies for flight and that’s why I’m very excited to join the HAV team. I hope to assist Airlander on its path to being the first large-scale zero-emission aircraft in the market utilising hydrogen powertrain technology.

Chris Gear Advisor, Hybrid Air Vehicles

We are leading the way to large-scale, emission-free air transport, and to do that we are assembling a talented team and focusing on selecting and maturing the best possible powertrain. We want to get to zero emissions fast, and I am excited to be able to bring Chris’s experience to bear in helping us get there.

Mike Durham CTO, Hybrid Air Vehicles

Chris has a Master’s degree in Aircraft Design from the Cranfield Institute of Aeronautics and is a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society.

The news follows HAV’s recent landmark announcement which saw Airlander 10 secure its first airline carrier customer, Air Nostrum Group.

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