H2FLY Appoints Ralph Müller as CEO as Josef Kallo Transitions to Chief Technology Officer

Stuttgart,  October 14, 2024 – H2FLY the Stuttgart, Germany-based developer of hydrogen-electric powertrain systems for aircraft, today announced the appointment of Ralph Müller as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) effective November 1, 2024. Josef Kallo, co-founder of H2FLY, will transition to the role of Chief Technology Officer (CTO).

Under Kallo’s leadership, H2FLY has achieved significant milestones, including the world’s first liquid hydrogen flight of the HY4 aircraft and the successful development of a high-performance fuel cell system for Joby’s hydrogen-electric eVTOL aircraft. Now, as H2FLY enters a new phase focused on product development and certification, Müller joins the business to lend his extensive experience in leading international organizations, including BorgWarner and MANN+HUMMEL to support the acceleration of the company’s growth.

As CTO, Kallo will continue to drive H2FLY’s sector-leading technological advancements, focusing on early-stage technology development and strategic partnerships. His deep expertise and passion for hydrogen-electric propulsion will be invaluable in shaping the future of sustainable aviation.

“I am delighted to welcome Ralph to the H2FLY team,” said Josef Kallo. “His impressive track record in developing businesses and organizations will be instrumental as we continue our journey towards hydrogen-electric, emission-free flight. I am excited to continue H2FLY’s successful journey together.”

“I am honored to join H2FLY at this pivotal moment in its history,” said Ralph Müller. “H2FLY’s commitment to sustainable aviation aligns perfectly with my own passion for innovation and environmental responsibility. I look forward to leading the incredible team that Dr. Kallo has built and led for the past decade as we bring hydrogen-electric propulsion systems to market and make a significant contribution to a cleaner future.”

About H2FLY

H2FLY was founded by five engineers from the German Aerospace Center in Stuttgart and the University of Ulm, H2FLY GmbH is working to deliver to market the first qualified, fully hydrogen-electric aircraft powertrain. By bringing hydrogen fuel cell technology to the next level, H2FLY plans to unlock the era of emission-free, sustainable air travel. The company develops hydrogen-electric propulsion systems for aircraft and is a global leader in the development and testing of such systems. The HY4, designed to be the world’s first hydrogen-electric passenger aircraft, first took off in 2016, demonstrating both the feasibility and potential of this technology for the aviation of the future. H2FLY has a powerful network of partners in industry and science and is currently working to accelerate its technology development and commercialization with the support of German and European partnerships. In just a few years, hydrogen-electric aircraft are expected to be able to transport 40 passengers over distances of up to 2,000 kilometres (1,240 miles).

H2FLY was acquired in 2021 by Joby Aviation, a California-based company developing electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for commercial passenger service.

For more information, please visit: www.h2fly.de

 

Press contact

H2FLY GmbH

Melanie Lienerth

presse@h2fly.de