In an era where environmental consciousness meets transportation needs, one French aviation company stands at the forefront of sustainable regional air travel. Amelia Aviation, a subsidiary of the Regourd Aviation Group, is redefining what it means to connect communities while minimizing ecological impact.
A Vision for Sustainable Skies
Founded in 2019 with the mission to transform regional aviation, Amelia Aviation represents more than just another airline. The company embodies a comprehensive environmental commitment that permeates every aspect of its operations, from aircraft selection to fuel consumption.
"We don't view sustainability as an option—it's an imperative,"
explained Malika Lentini, the company's Communications Secretary, during an exclusive interview. This philosophy has guided Amelia Aviation's rapid ascent in the European regional aviation sector.
Strategic Foundations
Building on the 45-year legacy of its parent company, Regourd Aviation Group, Amelia Aviation combines deep industry expertise with innovative approaches to sustainable operations. The company achieved a significant milestone in November 2022 when it joined the International Air Transport Association (IATA), signaling its alignment with global aviation standards and its commitment to the Fly Net Zero by 2050 initiative.
Lentini emphasized the importance of this membership: "Our IOSA certification in 2021 demonstrated our commitment to operational safety. Joining IATA represents the next step in our journey toward sustainable excellence."
Operational Flexibility as a Competitive Advantage
What sets Amelia Aviation apart in the competitive regional aviation market is its remarkable operational agility. The company maintains a diverse service portfolio encompassing:
- Scheduled regional routes
- Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance (ACMI) services
- Business aviation solutions
- Cargo and medical transport operations
This multifaceted approach proved particularly valuable during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the company successfully pivoted to meet increased demand for cargo and medical transport services.
Connecting Communities, Driving Economies
Amelia Aviation's route network serves as a vital economic link for regional communities across France and neighboring countries. Operating daily flights from Paris, Rodez, Brive, Amsterdam, and Strasbourg, the airline provides essential connectivity where high-speed rail or highway alternatives are limited.
"Our regional flights aren't just about transportation—they're about enabling business opportunities, medical access, and community development," Lentini noted. "When we connect a regional center like Aurillac to Paris, we're saving travelers hours of transit time and creating economic value."
The Hydrogen Aviation Frontier
Perhaps most notably, Amelia Aviation has positioned itself as a pioneer in hydrogen-powered aviation through its partnership with Universal Hydrogen. The collaboration includes:
- Purchase of three hydrogen conversion kits for ATR 72-600 aircraft
- Retrofitting existing aircraft for hydrogen operation
- Developing green hydrogen infrastructure at French airports
Following a successful test flight in February 2023, Amelia Aviation aims to become Europe's first operator of hydrogen-powered ATR72-UH2 aircraft by 2026.
Comprehensive Sustainability Strategy
The company's environmental initiatives extend beyond alternative fuels. Amelia Aviation has implemented a multi-pronged approach to reduce its carbon footprint:
Operational Efficiency
In partnership with Thales, the airline developed advanced flight optimization technology that analyzes weather patterns, flight routes, and aircraft performance to minimize fuel consumption.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel
The company is gradually increasing its use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), derived from biomass and waste materials, with the long-term goal of complete transition from conventional jet fuel.
Eco-Conscious Ground Operations
From electric ground vehicles to paperless office initiatives, Amelia Aviation has systematically reduced emissions across its ground services.
Building the Future of Green Aviation
Amelia Aviation's vision extends to developing a complete ecosystem for sustainable regional air travel. The company is investing in:
- Digital transformation to enhance customer experience
- Workforce training for next-generation aircraft maintenance
- Strategic partnerships across the aviation value chain
As Lentini concluded: "We're not just operating flights—we're helping shape the future of an entire industry. Every innovation, every partnership, every flight brings us closer to truly sustainable regional aviation."
The company's progress suggests that even regional carriers can play a transformative role in aviation's green transition. Through technological innovation, operational excellence, and industry collaboration, Amelia Aviation is charting a course toward cleaner skies.