The hydrogen-electric engines championed by ZeroAvia use hydrogen in fuel cells to generate electricity, powering electric motors and emitting only water.
The groundbreaking agreement involves the procurement of up to 70 hydrogen-electric, zero-emission engines from ZeroAvia. , as ZeroAvia is targeting type certification for the ZA600 engine by 2025.
ZeroAvia, a trailblazer in zero-emission flight, in a significant leap toward sustainable aviation, has joined forces with Ecojet, an ambitious new airline set to redefine green air travel. The groundbreaking agreement involves the procurement of up to 70 hydrogen-electric, zero-emission engines from ZeroAvia. ZeroAvia, an advocate for hydrogen-electric aviation, is targeting type certification for the ZA600 engine by 2025. The collaboration involving ZeroAvia, Ecojet, and MONTE, ZeroAvia’s preferred ZA600 lessor partner, is set to focus on the implementation of hydrogen-electric commercial operations, working closely with airports and industry partners.
Ecojet, poised to commence operations in 2024 with conventionally powered aircraft shuttling between Edinburgh and other destinations, envisions a future where it becomes the world’s first electric airline. This transformative journey will see Ecojet retrofitting its aircraft with ZeroAvia’s ZA600 engines once they achieve the necessary certification. In a move signaling its commitment to sustainable aviation, Ecojet has also placed a substantial order for the more potent ZA2000 engine, tailored for regional turboprops seating up to 80 passengers, with a target entry into service in 2027.
Val Miftakhov, Founder and CEO, ZeroAvia said, “Clean aviation will mean increased regional air travel and new routes, Ecojet can capitalize based on their clear focus on low-emission travel. The UK Government’s Jet Zero Strategy has set a great example for the world to follow, but the UK can go much further by being early to act and introducing some of the first zero-emission routes in the world.”
The collaboration between ZeroAvia and Ecojet aligns with ZeroAvia’s broader commitment to zero-emission aviation. The company aims to achieve a 300-mile range in 9–19 seat aircraft by the end of 2025 and expand it to a 700-mile range in 40–80 seat aircraft by 2027. ZeroAvia has achieved significant milestones, obtaining experimental certificates for its prototype aircraft from aviation authorities in the UK and the US and securing partnerships with major aircraft OEMs.
ZeroAvia’s progress is not confined to its smaller aircraft; the company recently unveiled its testbed aircraft for the ZA2000 engine, a Dash 8 400 76-seat plane provided by Alaska Airlines. This signals ZeroAvia’s intent to expand its technological prowess to larger aircraft. The hydrogen-electric engines championed by ZeroAvia use hydrogen in fuel cells to generate electricity, powering electric motors and emitting only water.
Dale Vince, Founder, EcoJet said, “We don’t have to give up flying to live a green lifestyle or to get to net zero as a country – and this is big news. The technology is here now and the planes are coming very soon – carbon free, guilt free flying is just around the corner. And although aviation is responsible for only a small part of all global emissions, it occupies a far bigger space than that in our psyche. The hearts and minds value of this new opportunity outweighs the carbon issue significantly. It shows that everything we need to do, can be done, with a low to zero carbon footprint. And that is big news and a big encouragement to us all.”
Ecojet’s commitment to adopt ZeroAvia’s engines adds to the momentum of a rapidly evolving aviation industry. The focus on green aviation comes at a time when sustainability is becoming a key criterion for both airlines and passengers. As aviation strives to reduce its carbon footprint, innovations like hydrogen-electric engines represent a promising solution.
The collaboration is more than a business transaction; it symbolizes a shared vision for a future where air travel is not just a mode of transportation but a beacon of sustainability. ZeroAvia, Ecojet, and MONTE are poised to play a pivotal role in reshaping the aviation landscape, introducing cutting-edge technology that aligns with environmental goals.
As a result of the agreement, MONTE, ZeroAvia’s preferred ZA600 lessor partner, will provide financing for Ecojet’s powertrain purchase, installation, and operation. This makes Ecojet the first confirmed customer of MONTE, utilizing reserved production slots with ZeroAvia.
Rishi Majithia, Head of Investment, MONTE said, “Since signing our definitive purchase agreement with ZeroAvia, we have been working closely with ZeroAvia and our global network of aircraft operators to reach tri-party agreements on the use of the ZA600 powertrain. Ecojet’s commitment to using the ZA600 whilst being financed by MONTE is one of the first of these partnerships and we are excited to be working with an operator that is aligned with our goals of decarbonizing regional aviation.”
In June, ZeroAvia marked a significant step forward by signing a definitive purchase agreement with MONTE for 100 engines. With Ecojet becoming the first confirmed customer of MONTE, this collaboration is part of a broader strategy to foster hydrogen-electric aviation through partnerships that span the entire ecosystem.
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The collaboration between ZeroAvia and Ecojet represents more than a technological advance; it’s a stride toward redefining air travel in an era where sustainability is paramount. The goal is not merely to fly; it’s to soar into a future where aviation and environmental responsibility coexist seamlessly. With each hydrogen-electric engine taking flight, ZeroAvia and Ecojet are propelling the aviation industry toward a greener and more sustainable tomorrow.
