Absolute Combustion International and Edmonton International airport have successfully completed a three year test to commercialise a faster and more efficient portable diesel aircraft heater. This heater significantly outperforms standard heating technologies on metrics ranging from fuel consumption and safety to extreme cold weather durability. The partnership reflects the airport’s commitment to supporting innovation and supporting Alberta’s technology sector, according to the co-founder and CEO of Absolute Combustion International.

“Our incredibly strong partnership with Edmonton International airport, which worked with us every step of the way, and support from organisations like Alberta Innovates, have allowed ACI to make the challenging quantum leap from research to commercialisation. This success is proof that Alberta has the infrastructure needed to help companies create technologies that will have an international impact,” commented Koleya Karringten.

Designed to withstand northern winters, the ACI-SM1000 heater can operate at -50ºC temperatures and bring the cabin of a Boeing 737 from -30ºC to 20ºC in half an hour. This is a major improvement over conventional systems which typically take over one and a half hours to accomplish the same task. The technology’s unique design results in a 50-70% reduction in diesel fuel usage and requires no assistance from the aircraft’s auxiliary power unit to quickly heat the aircraft on the tarmac.