Zero emission chopper flights for Great Barrier Reef tourism

A landmark deal will deliver zero-emission joy flights over one of Australia’s most iconic tourist destinations.

A fleet of space-age helicopters will operate zero-emission joy flights over the Great Barrier Reef in a landmark deal for eco-tourism.

Nautilus Aviation, a division of the Morris Group, Northern Australia’s largest helicopter operator, have joined forces with Eve Air Mobility to commission an initial fleet of 10 zero-emission electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft in a multimillion-dollar deal.

The futuristic vehicles feature helicopter-style rotors as well as jet engines similar to those used by hovercraft and some aeroplanes and are capable of reaching speeds of 200km/hr.

The aircraft has been making test flights since October 2020 with flights expected to take off over the reef by 2026.

It is hoped the deal will send a strong message that Australia’s tourism industry is serious about climate change and protecting some of our most vulnerable assets, such as the reef, and could see other operators follow suit.

It should also be embraced by travellers conscious of the environmental impact of transport to tourist destinations.

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Space-age zero emission helicopter tours are set to take off over the Great Barrier Reef by 2026. Picture: supplied.

Queensland Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon said the deal was “a real game-changer for reef tourism”.

“We know the biggest threat to the reef is climate change so it’s great to see Queensland businesses paving the way for a zero emissions future and transitions to more sustainable tourism,” she said.

Queensland Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon during a visit to the Great Barrier Reef. Picture: Brendan Radke

Leichhardt MP and the Federal government’s special envoy to the reef Warren Entsch said the arrival of the hi-tech helicopters was a phenomenal win for the industry.

“This will be world’s best practice and an extraordinary addition for the Great Barrier Reef,” he said.

Morris Group founder and CEO Chris Morris said the new partnership with Eve accelerates plans for 100 per cent of scenic flights over the Great Barrier Reef to be from zero-emission electric aviation and was in line with the company’s commitment to reach net zero emissions by 2030.

“This partnership is an exciting development for Nautilus Aviation and Morris Group,” he said.

“We believe economic success and environmental sustainability go hand-in-hand and aim to strengthen and enrich the environments in which we work.

“Eve’s technology will integrate seamlessly into our operations to deliver a range of exciting zero-emission tourism experiences.”

Nautilus Aviation CEO Aaron Finn said greenhouse gas emissions from the burning of fuel in the company’s helicopters would be greatly reduced with the arrival of the new aircraft.

“This will allow us to provide emission-free and quiet tours over the Great Barrier Reef, providing an unmatched eco experience to our customers.” he said.

Andre Stein, President and CEO of Eve, said the initiative was an important milestone for the company.

“Our partnership with Nautilus Aviation and Morris Group will see Eve aircraft serving Australia’s iconic tourism attractions with sustainable, zero emissions low-noise, journeys,” he said.

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