ZeroAvia has signed a landmark agreement with RVL Aviation to deploy its hydrogen-electric ZA600 powertrain in Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft, marking a major step toward zero-emission regional aviation in the UK. Once certified, the aircraft will operate commercial flights across the British Isles.
The ZA600 powertrain, which uses hydrogen fuel cells to power electric motors, emits only water and could reduce climate impact by up to 90%. ZeroAvia and RVL’s joint analysis confirms the retrofitted Cessna 208B can meet all operational needs while dramatically cutting emissions. There are nearly 1,000 similar aircraft globally that could transition to hydrogen-electric propulsion in the future.
The deal includes collaboration with MONTE, a zero-emission aircraft leasing company, and plans to expand operations to other turboprop types depending on the success of initial routes.
RVL Aviation, a veteran UK aviation services provider, operates out of East Midlands Airport and brings 40 years of experience in surveillance, survey, and charter services. ZeroAvia’s CEO Val Miftakhov called the deal a “proud day” for clean aviation and emphasized the push toward certification and production scaling. RVL CEO Dave Connor said the initiative represents a “large step” in decarbonizing aviation and a key move toward sustainable air travel.
ZeroAvia is already testing its ZA600 prototype on a Dornier 228 and progressing on certification. Its next-generation ZA2000 system aims to support larger regional aircraft like the ATR72 and Dash 8 400, with advanced hydrogen storage and propulsion tech already under development.
Source: Swifteradio.com
