German hydrogen aircraft developer Apus Zero Emission has been placed under provisional insolvency proceedings by the Local Court of Frankfurt (Oder).
The Strausberg-based firm has entered administration due to financial difficulties, reportedly attributed in part to what has become a common refrain in the industry: slow market development.
Oder has appointed a provisional administrator to oversee the company, which may continue operations. H2 View understands that Apus could still develop its hydrogen aircraft while diversifying into services and component supply for other manufacturers.
Apus may sell assets with approval from the insolvency law firm Pluta. A decision on whether the company will continue operations or face full liquidation is expected in the coming weeks.
Last September, Apus unveiled its four-seater hydrogen fuel cell aircraft, with test flights planned for this year and certification targeted for 2027. Reports indicate the company still intends to proceed with a test flight of its I-2 model.
APUS’ struggles reflect broader challenges in the hydrogen aviation sector.
In July 2024, US hydrogen aviator Universal Hydrogen went bust after it burned through cash reserves.
In a LinkedIn post published last year, co-founder Jon Gordon said, “Perhaps we were just too early. Perhaps we couldn’t convince the world that hydrogen, and not just SAF (sustainable aviation fuel), are necessary for the future of aviation. Time will tell.”
Furthermore, Airbus hit pause on its hydrogen aircraft last month, as it blamed slower-than-expected technological advancements and infrastructure struggles.
