Cranfield Aerospace

About Cranfield Aerospace

Born from the academic and research excellence of Cranfield University, Cranfield Aerospace Solutions (CAeS) was established as a commercial entity in 1997. For nearly three decades, it has operated at the forefront of aircraft design, modification, and systems integration for major aerospace companies. The company's foundation is deeply rooted in the university's history, which began as the College of Aeronautics in 1946 on a former Royal Air Force base. A key early figure was Sir Roy Fedden, who championed the college's focus on aerospace innovation. A pivotal moment for the company arrived with the launch of Project Fresson in 2019, a mission to develop a commercially viable, hydrogen-electric propulsion system for aircraft. This ambitious project initially focused on retrofitting the nine-seat Britten-Norman Islander, a workhorse aircraft used for short-haul flights. In a significant strategic move, Cranfield Aerospace announced its merger with Britten-Norman in 2023. This combination created a single, integrated UK company with the capabilities to both manufacture aircraft and pioneer zero-emission propulsion technology. The merger was backed by a consortium of investors, including HydrogenOne, Safran Corporate Ventures, and the Strategic Development Fund (SDF), who pledged up to £10 million to the new entity. The goal is to bring a hydrogen-powered Islander into service by 2027, marking a critical step towards decarbonizing regional aviation.