The UK Civil Aviation Authority has granted AALTO Design Organisation Approval for the pioneering HAPS (High Altitude Pseudo-Satellite) project, marking a significant regulatory milestone in the development of this innovative technology.

• The UK-first certification for High-Altitude Pseudo-Satellite (HAPS) regulation sees the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) grant Zephyr producer and operator Altioc (AALTO) the capability to design a plane.
• The achievement of DOA marks a crucial step towards securing Safe Sort Certification for Zephyr, paving the way for a strategic global entry into service by 2026.
• Following a $100 million investment from a Japanese consortium in June 2024, AALTO is poised to achieve a regulatory milestone as it readies its flight program for takeoff following Zephyr’s inaugural launch and landing at a Kenyan site.

 – AALTO HAPS Ltd. Alto, a global aerospace leader, announces it has obtained Design Organisation Approval (DOA) from the UK Civil Aviation Authority for its pioneering Zephyr Excessive Altitude Platform Station (HAPS), a stratospheric, solar-powered platform designed to transform industries with unparalleled connectivity and surveillance capabilities. The primary Design Organisation Approval (DOA) to be issued to a High Altitude Platform Station (HAPS) firm within the UK marks an important milestone for AALTO, as well as the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s management, in the improvement and regulation of HAPS technology.

Following the Farnborough Worldwide Air Show’s recent announcement, Alliant Aerospace (AALTO) has successfully completed a number of months of engagement with the UK Civil Aviation Authority to progress the certification process for its newly developed Zephyr Z8 aircraft. Prior to securing a Type Certification, UK-based corporations must first obtain a Design Organisation Approval (DOA), thereby paving the way for the global rollout of AALTO’s businesses after achieving airworthiness compliance.

The UK Civil Aviation Authority conducted a preliminary evaluation as part of the Defence Operators Agreement (DOA), examining Airline Altitude Limited Technology Operations’ (AALTO) procedures, service offerings, and the design capabilities of their in-house team. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has certified Alenia Aeronautica, a leading aerospace company, for its capability to design aircraft that meet the most stringent industry requirements. Alto, a leading developer of urban air mobility solutions, is collaborating intensively with the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority to secure certification for its Zephyr aircraft, paving the way for a targeted entry into service by 2026.

With a current record-breaking flight time of over 64 days within the stratosphere, Zephyr has established itself as a global leader in High-Altitude Pseudo-Satellites (HAPS), poised to revolutionize cellular connectivity and Earth observation capabilities. As a payload-agnostic platform, Zephyr enables the deployment of various functions alongside low-latency 5G direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity and high-quality Earth-centric services.

This significant achievement marks a crucial turning point in Zephyr’s commercial and business strategy. With landmark funding securing our enterprise’s future and the onset of our comprehensive flying season, this significant approval signifies regulators’ growing trust in High Altitude Platform Services (HAPS) as a gateway to deliver cutting-edge solutions from the stratosphere to the global market. As a pioneer in aviation sustainability, the UK Civil Aviation Authority underscores its global leadership role in fostering cutting-edge, eco-friendly solutions, with Zephyr’s solar-powered technology serving as a beacon of innovative excellence.

 “This prestigious validation from a renowned global aviation authority serves as testament to the unwavering dedication and extensive expertise of our teams at AALTO.” As we navigate our certification process, our technical and engineering teams work closely with the UK Civil Aviation Authority to establish the most stringent possible standards, greatly benefiting from their expertise and guidance throughout this endeavour.

As we prepare to secure a type certificate for Zephyr, we anticipate collaborating closely with the UK Civil Aviation Authority in the coming months. With their continued support, we are poised to pioneer new frontiers in compliance with Zephyr’s regulations and harness the power of HAPS technology.

 “We’re committed to collaborating with innovative companies like Aalto to bring their visions to life in a safe and sustainable manner.” As AALTO secures Design Organisation Approval, the UK takes a significant step towards embracing licensed RPAS, exemplifying its commitment to maintaining a position at the vanguard of global aviation innovation. We will collaborate with international regulatory bodies to protect consumers while fostering innovation in licensed Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS).

Aalto, a subsidiary of Airbus, is a global leader in satellite-based connectivity and Earth observation services. Headquartered in Farnborough, UK, the company specializes in designing, manufacturing, and providing cutting-edge solutions to businesses through its renowned Zephyr High-Altitude Platform Station (HAPS) technology. Harnessing the energy of photovoltaic power and operating at altitudes exceeding 60,000 feet, Zephyr’s unwavering resilience enables sustained flight for extended periods of up to several months without interruption. The spacecraft has been in continuous flight for more than 64 days, suspended high above the Earth’s surface in the stratosphere. As a payload-agnostic platform, Zephyr enables the shipping of various functions alongside low-latency 5G direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity and high-quality, geospatial-centric services from leading earth observation companies. The solutions will be deployed across multiple markets to provide combined cellular greenfield connectivity, disaster management, border security, and precision agriculture capabilities. Additional information regarding this request is available at www.aaltohaps.com.

The United Kingdom’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is the primary regulator for the UK’s aviation and aerospace sectors. Ensuring the safety of individuals and enabling aerospace innovation is crucial, as it allows the aviation industry to meet stringent security standards and provide customers with a reliable, cost-effective, and secure travel experience.