Hydrogen Power Key for 'Green Britain's Flag Carrier'

As the ZeroAvia ZA2000 hybrid engine gets closer to full production, the firm is making deals with regional airlines wherever it can to showcase the new powerplant to clients and passengers alike.

Their newest partner is Ecojet, a firm that bills itself as "the world's first electric, commercial airline". They've already added 22 ZA2000 hydrogen-electric engines to their cart, with options for 40 more on top of that. The agreement builds on a relationship started in November of 2023, when they set up a deposit schedule that would put Ecojet in a nice, early place in line for when certified ZA2000s run off the production line. Ecojet isn't quite active, yet. They plan to launch services later this year using conventionally powered regional aircraft, then move on to more sustainable power once the tech is certified and safe.

That will allow Ecojet to be a perfect example of what ZeroAvia is pursuing: An airline that makes the switch from diesel-burning aerospace engines into the world of sustainable hydrogen-electric power. Ecojet will start service with the same engines as the rest of the industry, then replace them with ZeroAvia's as soon as they can. Ecojet will run more than just the usual roster of regional aircraft too, with plans to launch a fleet of zero-emission seaplanes sporting ZeroAvia's ZA600 engines.

Val Miftakhov, Founder and CEO, ZeroAvia, said: “We really love what the team are doing at Ecojet. Dale speaks powerfully on the future ubiquity of renewable power and is already helping to make that a reality in the UK. Hydrogen-electric aviation can be a big part of that journey, opening up low-cost, efficient and safe true zero-emission transport between UK destinations like never before.”

Dale Vince, founder of Ecojet, said: “Ecojet, the world’s first electric airline is on a mission to make net-zero, emission-free air travel possible for the first time. We’ve moved one step closer by signing an agreement to purchase 22 hydrogen electric engines from ZeroAvia. This is nothing short of a revolution in aviation, the world has just moved a step closer towards a solution to sustainable air travel.”

FMI: www.zeroavia.com, www.ecojectair.com