Opinions expressed by Digital Journal contributors are their own.
In the day and age where climate change has become a pressing issue, the aerospace industry is embracing a shift towards cleaner and more sustainable technologies. Leading this transformation is Sirius Aviation AG, the innovative force behind the world’s first hydrogen-powered regional aircraft. Spearheaded by its visionary CEO, Alexey Popov, Sirius Aviation is not only redefining the aviation industry but also reshaping the way people think about air travel, efficiency, and sustainability. With nearly five decades of aviation engineering in his family, Popov’s expertise and passion are driving a breakthrough innovation that could change the face of air travel.
A fleet of trailblazing jets
At the core of Sirius Aviation’s innovation lies the SiriusJet, a series of hydrogen-powered aircraft that mark a radical departure from traditional aviation technologies. “We are developing the SiriusJet, which will come in several versions,” Alexey Popov explains. “The CEO JET is analogous to a flying Rolls Royce, but with its own character and unique specifications. Then we have the Adventure Jet, designed for adventures, perfect for flying with friends or family for a picnic. It’s essentially the first flying SUV.” Additionally, there are special versions designed for Air Ambulance and Cargo services. What makes these jets revolutionary is their hydrogen powertrain. “They run on liquid hydrogen, which has a very cheap operation cost—three times less than any conventional jet—and cheap maintenance cost as well,” says Popov. The key feature that sets the SiriusJet apart from traditional jets is its vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capabilities, which eliminate the need for major infrastructure like long runways. This, coupled with its clean hydrogen-powered engines, makes the aircraft more cost-effective and environmentally friendly. “A full tank of hydrogen is only 65 kilograms, and at current hydrogen prices, it would cost around $170 for a jet with a range of 1,100 miles,” adds Popov.
Hydrogen power: a cleaner, greener future
Hydrogen-powered aircraft present a compelling alternative to fossil fuel-dependent planes. “These jets run on hydrogen in exactly the same way modern planes run on fossil fuel. There’s no difference,” Popov explains. Liquid hydrogen is pumped into the aircraft’s fuel tanks, and on board, it is converted into electricity, which powers the electric engines and ducted fans, generating thrust for the jet. The fundamental process is similar to how regular planes operate, but with zero harmful emissions and a cleaner, more efficient fuel source. This breakthrough places Sirius Aviation at the forefront of environmentally sustainable aviation.

Challenges in developing a hydrogen-powered aircraft
Despite the promise of hydrogen-powered aviation, developing such an advanced aircraft has not been without its challenges. “The most challenging aspect of the aircraft is the hydrogen engine. This is where we started,” says Popov. While many of the technologies incorporated into the SiriusJet are proven and widely used in the aviation industry, the hydrogen engine itself is the company’s major innovation. “Once we realized that we had successfully created a working hydrogen engine, which we showcased in Switzerland earlier this year, the rest of the aircraft design posed no major challenges.” However, ensuring the hydrogen engine’s safety and reliability has been paramount, given the rigorous certification processes involved. Popov notes that the development process is on track, with production expected to begin by the end of 2028. “Aircraft is a complex technical device that goes through many stages of development and testing. We plan to complete development within the next four to five years, which is quite standard for the development and certification of any new aircraft,” he explains. Ensuring safety, performance, and sustainability has required time and precision, but the end result will be an aircraft that reshapes the industry.
Collaborating with leading industry partners
The success of Sirius Aviation’s hydrogen-powered jets is made possible by a range of key partnerships across multiple industries. “Our partners come from various sectors, including automotive, Formula 1, and many in aviation,” says Popov. Notable among these collaborators is the BMW Group DesignWorks, which has played a critical role in the SiriusJet’s development. “The DesignWorks team is highly professional and undoubtedly one of the best in the world.” Sirius Aviation has also partnered with a Swiss Formula 1 company and the Košice Technical Institute in Slovakia, whose contributions have been vital in advancing the hydrogen engine. “Their young but highly skilled team is producing outstanding results,” Popov adds. These international partnerships demonstrate Sirius Aviation’s commitment to leveraging the expertise of global innovators to bring its hydrogen-powered aircraft to life.

Future ambitions and expanding horizons
As Sirius Aviation continues to develop its cutting-edge jets, the company’s ambitions extend beyond aircraft production. One notable initiative is the potential CEO-Jet network in the United States, which aims to provide a sustainable option for business leaders and high-profile individuals seeking cleaner alternatives for private aviation. “Yes, absolutely, this is still in our plans because the U.S. market is our primary market,” Popov confirms. To support this, one of Sirius Aviation’s assembly lines will be located in the U.S. to cater to the growing demand for hydrogen-powered jets in North America. In addition to the jets themselves, Sirius Aviation is also playing a role in developing the world’s first hydrogen-powered regional airport in Australia. “We are currently collaborating with Marathon Group Australia, and this is their project. At the moment, it’s still in the early stages, and Sirius Jet is involved as a partner,” Popov explains. The goal is to create an infrastructure that complements the hydrogen-powered aircraft, making clean air travel more accessible and widespread.
Interior innovation and customization
While the exterior of the SiriusJet is designed to revolutionize air travel, the interior is equally cutting-edge. Popov emphasizes that Sirius Aviation is committed to tailoring aircraft interiors to meet the unique needs of its clients. “The jets will offer maximum customization options,” he notes. Working closely with partners like BMW Group DesignWorks, Sirius Aviation aims to provide flexible and luxurious interior designs that align with the preferences of its clientele. This focus on customization ensures that customers will have the opportunity to personalize their aircraft to suit their exact specifications and comfort requirements. The Future of Aviation: competition and collaboration in a rapidly evolving aviation industry, Sirius Aviation is not alone in pursuing innovation. Elon Musk recently announced his plans to develop a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) electric aircraft, a project that has caught Popov’s attention. “We always follow Elon Musk’s projects with great enthusiasm,” he says. “It would be fantastic for him to work in our industry, and we’re eager to see what he develops.” While Sirius Aviation remains focused on hydrogen technology, the company welcomes competition and innovation from other leaders in the aerospace sector.
Addressing flight-shaming with clean energy solutions
One issue that Popov believes will be critical to the future of private aviation is the emerging trend of flight-shaming. “No one has yet realized this, but a new market is emerging: flight-shaming,” he explains. Celebrities and business leaders who fly frequently are increasingly criticized for their carbon footprints. Popov sees Sirius Aviation’s hydrogen-powered jets as a solution to this issue. “If they had the option to switch to clean-energy aircraft, they absolutely would,” he asserts. By providing a viable alternative to fossil fuel-powered jets, Sirius Aviation offers a solution that could alleviate the social pressure on high-profile individuals while promoting sustainability. As Sirius Aviation moves forward with its plans, the company is actively inviting pre-orders for its groundbreaking jets. “We say hello and invite you to place a pre-order on our website and contact our sales team,” Popov encourages, confident that the demand for clean-energy aircraft will continue to grow. In conclusion, Sirius Aviation AG is not just creating a new aircraft; it is paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future in aviation. Through innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to reducing emissions, the company is poised to revolutionize air travel and lead the industry into a new era of hydrogen-powered flight.
