ZeroAvia, a developer of low emission solutions for commercial aviation, announced a new partnership with AGS Airports, the British company that manages Aberdeen, Glasgow and Southampton airports. This is the first joint working engagement of its kind based in the United Kingdom.
Under the agreement, both will work on the study and development of green hydrogen infrastructures in Aberdeen and Glasgow. In addition, they will progress the study of the regulatory framework and resources required to enable zero-emission flights from both Scottish airports.
The analysis will include hydrogen production opportunities and the feasibility of operating certain commercial air routes.
ZeroAvia is currently working on the development of hydrogen-electric propulsion systems for regional passenger aircraft. One of these is the 600 kilowatt ZA600 power plant, designed to power aircraft for between five and twenty passengers. The solution runs on stored hydrogen gas, which powers fuel cells. These, in turn, convert the hydrogen into electricity, generating power.
In addition, the company is working on the ZA2000 power plant, a propulsion system with a power output of between 2 and 5 megawatts. The project envisages its implementation in aircraft for between forty and eighty seats. ZeroAvia expects to achieve certification and market entry in 2027.
According to the developer, the use of both technologies will allow AGS Airports to significantly reduce carbon emissions in operations. Furthermore, they will also contribute to reduce noise and the impact on local air quality. In turn, the airport operator will study the possibilities of using hydrogen to reduce and eliminate emissions from ground operations.
ZeroAvia will provide expertise in the development and operation of hydrogen airport refuelling ecosystems (HARE) at Cotswold Airport in Gloucestershire. A demonstration of the ZA600 powerplant is planned at the same location. After it is completed, implementation of these technologies on scheduled flights from Glasgow could follow soon after.
“In recent months, we have stepped up our work with airports significantly to better understand the operational needs and requirements for hydrogen as a fuel”, said Arnab Chatterjee, ZeroAvia’s Vice President of Infrastructure. “Working with the team at AGS Airports allows us to plan for some of the commercial routes that we will be able to support in a little over two years’ time, and do so in the setting of a major international airport”, he added.
“The development of hydrogen powered aircraft has the potential to completely revolutionise aviation, and it is becoming an increasingly viable option for regional and short-haul aircraft”, said Derek Provan, CEO of AGS Airports.
Jenny Gilruth, Scottish Minister for Transport, said: “This is an encouraging development as hydrogen has the potential to be a true zero emission fuel and could play a key role in helping the Scottish aviation sector reach net zero”. “Many of the routes that operate from Glasgow and Aberdeen to airports across the Highlands and Islands are served by small aircraft and real social, economic and environmental benefits could be delivered by cleaner, quieter and lower cost aircraft”, she added.
See also: ZeroAvia and Textron Aviation to develop hydrogen-electric powertrain for the Cessna Grand Caravan
