- Zephyr’s first flight of 2025 demonstrates unrivalled functionality and business potential of AALTO’s HAPS expertise
- Profitable testing of UK-built connectivity payload, a key use case of the payload-agnostic Zephyr platform
- AALTO’s partnership with Kenya Area Company and Kenya Civil Aviation Authority establishes unprecedented regulatory pathway for business HAPS
Laikipia County, Kenya: AALTO HAPS Ltd. (“AALTO” or “the Firm”), an Airbus subsidiary which designs, manufactures and operates the Zephyr Excessive Altitude Platform Station (HAPS), has accomplished its first profitable stratospheric flight and testing from its purpose-built HAPS facility (AALTOPORT) in Laikipia County, Kenya.
Flying for greater than 13 days above 60,000ft in Kenya, Zephyr was geared up with a payload developed at AALTO’s Farnborough headquarters that may present direct-to-device (D2D) 4/5G connectivity. Suitable with smartphone expertise to allow video and knowledge providers, AALTO carried out assessments to characterise the efficiency of the connectivity system. Through the flight, AALTO additionally validated enhancements to Zephyr’s flight envelope to supply higher stability and efficiency.
AALTO secured permissions to ascertain an AALTOPORT for stratospheric operations throughout 2024, following 18 months of regulatory engagement and technical research to facilitate flight approvals. With the assist of the Kenya Area Company and Kenya Civil Aviation Authority, Kenya has consolidated its place as a worldwide pioneer for HAPS innovation and enabled AALTO’s international growth.
Hughes Boulnois, CEO of AALTO, commented: “Zephyr’s return to stratospheric testing and operations is a vital step in its business roadmap. Stewarding probably the most established platform globally, AALTO is demonstrating the capabilities of Zephyr from a payload and platform perspective. With unrivalled efficiency and adaptability, alongside game-changing functions as a payload agnostic platform, AALTO’s Zephyr is a naturally complementary asset to conventional house and defence ecosystems.
“For a few years we have now labored with strategic companions on selling technological innovation and alternatives throughout connectivity and Earth commentary markets. Now due to the strategic imaginative and prescient of Kenyan regulators, we’re one step nearer to commercialising the stratosphere.”
Brigadier Hillary B Kipkosgey, Appearing Director Common / CEO of the Kenya Area Company, added: “Because the nationwide regulator for house actions and coordinating company for the multi-agency staff on stratospheric operations, the Kenya Area Company is dedicated to selling adoption and use of enabling applied sciences which might be revolutionary, safe and impactful.
“HAPS is a singular functionality with potential use instances that Kenya recognises as important to many stakeholders. By way of our assist to AALTO, we’re happy to display Kenya’s international management in creating a brand new hub for close to house expertise.”
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