ZeroAvia Accelerates the Transition to Zero Emission Flight
ZeroAvia, a leading innovator in zero emission aviation, has announced a series of developments to drive the ambitious delivery of new technologies to cut aviation emissions.
ZeroAvia is accelerating and scaling-up the transition to zero emission flight through a series of new collaborations to widen the market entry of their hydrogen-electric propulsion technology. This will include scaling their technology from a six-seat passenger airframe to a certifiable 19-seat configuration.
1. Hydrogen Power Train Collaboration
Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) and ZeroAvia have announced a development collaboration for a hydrogen-electric powertrain capable of flying a 19 seat Dornier 228 aircraft up to 500 NM.
HAL and ZeroAvia will develop a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) to incorporate a 600KW hydrogen-electric powertrain system into their Dornier 228 aircraft. HAL will offer retrofits to existing Dornier and Hindustan-228 Aircraft and plan to line fit new manufactured aircraft pending FAA approval. The aircraft will integrate ZeroAvia’s ZA600, the company’s first commercial type powertrain platform.
As part of their HyFlyer II project (supported by the UK’s Aerospace Technology Institute, Innovate UK and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy) ZeroAvia have successfully ground-tested its 600kW powertrain and will begin flight testing using its Dornier 228 in the coming months to achieve certification and entry into commercial service in 2024. The ambition is that this activity will enable establishment of the world’s first hydrogen-electric international passenger route.
2. Zero Emission Freight
ZeroAvia has signed an agreement with ASL Aviation Holdings to convert 10 ATR72 aircraft to hydrogen-electric propulsion to enable zero emission cargo deliveries from 2026.
ASL Airlines will provide a retired ATR72F aircraft as a demonstrator. ASL will then convert a number of owned aircraft on its freight operations, resulting in the launch of zero-emission hydrogen-electric powered operations for the carrier from 2026 onwards.
The deal strengthens ASL’s commitment of being a first mover in the introduction of new emissions reduction technology within its current fleet, supporting provision of cargo services and vital connectivity in an environmentally sustainable way without having to wait for the introduction of new aircraft types.
3. Zero Emission Air Travel
Alaska Air Group is collaborating with ZeroAvia to create a 76-seat passenger aircraft.
The ambition is to scale ZeroAvia’s existing powertrain platform to produce the ZA2000, an engine family capable of operating between 2,000 and 5,000 kilowatts of power with a 500-neutical mile range. ZeroAvia’s hydrogen-electric propulsion technology will be deployed into a full-size De Havilland Q400 aircraft, previously operated by Alaska Air Group subsidiary Horizon Air Industries, Inc.
Working to advance novel propulsion Alaska has secured options for up to 50 kits to begin converting its regional aircraft to hydrogen-electric power through ZeroAvia’s zero-emission powertrain. This pioneering zero-emission aviation rollout will be supported by the ground fuel production and dispensing infrastructure from ZeroAvia alongside partners, such as Shell.
4. Zero emission regional jets
MHIRJ, the world’s largest CRJ Series maintenance repair and overhaul (MRO) company and ZeroAvia will collaborate to develop hydrogen-electric propulsion for regional jet applications.
MHIRJ will provide engineering services for ZeroAvia including aircraft design, certification and support experience to evaluate the feasibility of a green retrofit program for regional aircraft.
This is a key step in the acceleration and widening of ZeroAvia’s market entry of zero emission flight solutions over the next decade. It is also a significant milestone in demonstrating the various cost and emissions benefits airlines can derive from hydrogen fuelled flight. ZeroAvia have completed over 35 test flights of a Piper M-class six-seat aircraft using its hydrogen fuel cell powertrain. The company is now working to convert a 19-seat Dornier 228 aircraft with its zero-emission powertrain technology and aiming to develop a 50-80 seat aircraft by 2026, and regional jets around 2028.
Alongside their commitment to transforming aviation, ZeroAvia is a committed Jet Zero Council member. The Jet Zero Council (JZC) aims to be the catalyst for developing and industrialising zero emission aviation and aerospace technologies. You can keep up to date on all news from the Jet Zero Council members and UK aviation more broadly through KTN’s Jet Zero programme.
