In May 2022, aerospace giant Airbus spun off an ambitious new venture called AALTO, with the goal of revolutionizing global connectivity using a fleet of unmanned, ultra-long endurance, solar-powered aircraft called Zephyrs. Operating in the stratosphere at altitudes up to 70,000 feet, these unique zero-emission drones promise to bring affordable high-speed internet access to even the most remote corners of the planet.
The Zephyr: An Engineering Marvel
At the heart of AALTO’s vision is the Zephyr, a remarkable fixed-wing drone with a wingspan of 25 meters, roughly equivalent to an ATR 72 turboprop airliner. Despite its size, the Zephyr is incredibly lightweight, weighing just 75kg without its payload. Covered in solar panels, it harnesses the sun’s energy to power two small electric motors, giving it the ability to fly continuously for months at a time.
The Zephyr operates in the stratosphere, well above commercial air traffic and weather systems. At its maximum altitude of 70,000 feet, it maintains a station-keeping position, providing a persistent platform for a variety of payloads, including high-resolution cameras, atmospheric sensors, and crucially, telecommunications equipment capable of providing internet connectivity across a coverage area of 7,500 square kilometers – equivalent to about 250 cell towers.
Stripped of its motors, payload, and outer solar panels, the Zephyr’s wings and tail are so gossamer-thin as to be translucent. Its lightweight structure belies an incredible endurance – up to 200 days in the air without landing. This is made possible by its state-of-the-art solar cells, high-capacity batteries, and energy-efficient systems.
Bringing AALTO to Market
Led by CEO Samer Halawi, AALTO is moving aggressively to bring its stratospheric connectivity solutions to market. The company is currently working towards certification of the Zephyr system, while refining its manufacturing processes and engaging with potential customers and partners around the world.
AALTO’s facility in Farnborough, UK is gearing up for serial production, with an ultimate goal of assembling one Zephyr per week. To achieve this, the company is bringing in top talent from across the aerospace industry. “We need to bring in the best people from across the industry to make it a success, which is why Airbus carved AALTO out from the core and attracted the C-suite that we have,” says chief engineer Philip Briggs.
On the commercial side, AALTO is already seeing strong demand for its services. The company has announced the sale of two Zephyr aircraft to the UK Ministry of Defence, and is fielding inquiries from a range of government and commercial entities. According to Halawi, AALTO expects to have more demand than it can initially supply until production ramps up.
To support its growth, AALTO is seeking external investment and partnerships. While Airbus remains the sole owner for now, the plan is to bring in strategic partners as shareholders to help scale the business. “The idea is to grow the company, to bring in external partners as shareholders that will be strategic in nature, not just financial,” Halawi explains.
A Sustainable Solution for Global Connectivity
One of AALTO’s key value propositions is the sustainability of its approach. Unlike ground-based cell towers or low-Earth orbit satellite constellations, the Zephyr requires no fuel to launch or operate. Its solar-powered propulsion makes it a zero-emission solution for expanding global connectivity.
This green aspect is a major selling point as the world looks for ways to bridge the digital divide without exacerbating climate change or contributing to the growing problem of space debris in low-Earth orbit. “We are offering a service that is completely sustainable, from beginning to end,” says Halawi. “We don’t need fuel to launch rockets or operate satellites.”
The efficiency of using a fleet of Zephyrs to provide connectivity is also a major advantage. A single Zephyr can provide coverage equivalent to 250 ground-based towers, and it can do so more affordably and with a much lower environmental footprint. For developing nations and remote areas, this presents a leapfrog opportunity to gain high-speed connectivity without the need for massive infrastructure investments.
Expanding Use Cases
While expanding global internet access is the primary near-term application for AALTO’s stratospheric platforms, the company sees a wide range of potential use cases across multiple industries. From environmental monitoring and disaster response to border security and maritime domain awareness, the Zephyr’s unique capabilities make it a valuable tool.
The Zephyr’s persistence and range of potential payloads also make it well-suited for scientific research. Its ability to linger in the upper atmosphere for months at a time, covering vast distances, could help scientists study weather patterns, monitor climate change, track animal migrations, and more.
AALTO is already engaging with potential customers across government, industry, and academia to explore these expanded use cases. The company’s modular payload design allows for customization to meet the needs of specific missions and customers.
Overcoming Challenges
While AALTO’s stratospheric connectivity vision is compelling, the company still faces significant challenges in bringing it to fruition. Foremost among these is the complex regulatory environment for high-altitude, long-endurance drone operations.
To operate its fleet of Zephyrs, AALTO will need to secure approvals from aviation authorities around the world. This will require working closely with regulators to develop appropriate safety standards and operational protocols. The company is already engaging with the UK Civil Aviation Authority and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency to this end.
Another challenge is scaling up production and operations to meet expected demand. While AALTO’s Farnborough facility is designed for serial production, ramping up to one Zephyr per week will require significant investments in equipment, personnel, and training. The company will also need to establish a global network of ground stations and secure the necessary spectrum allocations for its connectivity services.
Finally, there is the question of competition. While AALTO’s approach is unique, it is not alone in seeking to expand global connectivity through innovative means. Companies like SpaceX, OneWeb, and Amazon are investing billions in low-Earth orbit satellite constellations, while high-altitude platform competitors like Loon (formerly of Alphabet) have tested similar concepts.
To succeed, AALTO will need to demonstrate the superior economics, performance, and sustainability of its approach. It will also need to move quickly to secure key customers and markets before competitors gain traction.
The Road Ahead
Despite the challenges, AALTO remains confident in its ability to execute on its vision and transform global connectivity. With the backing of Airbus, a world-class team, and a truly innovative approach, the company is well-positioned for success.
In the near-term, AALTO is focused on achieving certification for the Zephyr, ramping up production, and securing additional customer commitments. The company is also actively exploring potential deployment locations, with an emphasis on underserved regions in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
Longer-term, AALTO envisions a global fleet of Zephyrs providing affordable, high-speed connectivity to billions of people worldwide. The company is also exploring larger variants of the platform that could carry heavier payloads and provide even greater coverage and endurance.
As AALTO’s Chief Technology Officer Pierre-Antoine Aubourg puts it, “We are just on the cusp of exponential demand.” With its innovative technology, experienced team, and bold vision, AALTO is poised to play a leading role in the next great leap forward in global connectivity.
Only time will tell if AALTO can truly deliver on its ambitious promises. But if it succeeds, the impact could be transformational, empowering billions of people with the digital connectivity they need to learn, work, and thrive in the 21st century economy. For AALTO, the sky is quite literally the limit.
