In a harmonious collaboration, ZeroAvia, a trailblazer in hydrogen-electric plane technology, has inked a deal with the recently unveiled EcoJet, a carbon-conscious airline. The pact involves the provision of up to 70 cutting-edge, zero-emission plane engines. With ZeroAvia's visionary technology, EcoJet aspires to claim the title of the world's first all-electric airline.
ZeroAvia's journey unfolds on a public development timeline, etching milestones over a decade. The company boasts experimental flight certificates from both the CAA in the UK and the FAA in the US, where its dual headquarters reside.
A noteworthy achievement came last January when ZeroAvia orchestrated the inaugural flight of its 19-passenger hydrogen-electric plane – a pioneer in the skies. Undeterred, the company envisions crafting larger and more potent aircraft, committing to deliver a 40- to 80-seat marvel with a range of up to 700 miles by 2027.
Prior to this ambitious venture, ZeroAvia's technological prowess finds a new canvas with EcoJet, a fledgling UK-based airline forged merely five months ago. Conceived by green energy industrialist and climate advocate Dale Vince, EcoJet aspires to transform into the world's premier electric airline, deploying a fleet of aircraft powered by renewable energy.
In its infancy, EcoJet turns to ZeroAvia's expertise to elevate its hydrogen-electric planes into the skies within the next few years.
The latest alliance unfolds as ZeroAvia divulges a groundbreaking agreement with EcoJet, facilitating the sale of up to 70 hydrogen-electric engines, including the ZA600 and ZA2000 models. The collaboration is realized with the support of MONTE, a zero- and low-emission technology financier, which formalized a definitive purchase agreement with ZeroAvia during the summer.
ZeroAvia, MONTE, and EcoJet join forces to identify, develop, and finance the initial pathways to hydrogen-electric commercial operations, aligning with local airports in the UK and potentially beyond.
EcoJet envisions the commencement of commercial flights in 2024, initially utilizing conventionally powered aircraft for routes in and out of Edinburgh. Simultaneously, ZeroAvia remains steadfast in pursuing the type certification of its ZA600 engine by 2025. With certification in hand, EcoJet plans to retrofit its existing fleet with hydrogen-electric engines, heralding the dawn of a zero-emissions airline.
Part of EcoJet's commitment encompasses the acquisition of Z2000 hydrogen-electric engines, poised to propel 80-seat regional turboprop aircraft. The grand debut of these larger electric planes is set for 2027, marking a significant stride in green aviation.
ZeroAvia recently completed a ten-test flight program, showcasing the capabilities of its ZA600 prototype on a Dornier 228 aircraft. The company persistently pioneers the development of core technologies for larger aircraft, including the formidable Z2000.
