# ZeroAvia **Source:** https://geo.sig.ai/brands/zeroavia **Vertical:** Climate & Energy **Subcategory:** Hydrogen Aviation **Tier:** Emerging **Website:** zeroavia.com **Last Updated:** 2026-04-14 ## Summary ZeroAvia is a hydrogen-electric aviation company developing zero-emission powertrains for regional aircraft, targeting commercial certification for 9-19 seat aircraft. HQ: Hollister, CA. ## Company Overview ZeroAvia is an aviation company developing hydrogen-electric powertrains that replace conventional jet engines with fuel cells that combine hydrogen and oxygen to generate electricity, powering electric motors and propellers with zero direct carbon emissions. Founded in 2017 by Val Miftakhov, the company is focused on regional aviation — the 9–19 and 20–80 seat turboprop and regional jet market — where the weight and energy density constraints of battery-only propulsion are most restrictive but hydrogen's energy density advantage makes zero-emission flight technically feasible. ZeroAvia has raised over $280 million from investors including United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, British Airways' parent IAG, and government bodies including the U.K. Aerospace Technology Institute. The company has conducted flight tests of hydrogen-electric engines in Piper M class and 19-seat Dornier 228 aircraft, demonstrating the technology's feasibility. ZeroAvia is targeting FAA and EASA certification for its ZA600 powertrain (600 kW, for 9-19 seat aircraft) by 2025–2026, with a larger ZA2000 for 40–80 seat aircraft to follow. The company's go-to-market strategy focuses on retrofitting existing regional aircraft with hydrogen powertrains, allowing airlines to convert their fleets without purchasing entirely new aircraft. Hydrogen infrastructure development at airports is the key enabler — ZeroAvia is working with Hammarby Sjöstad and other hydrogen suppliers on refueling solutions. Airlines backing ZeroAvia view hydrogen aviation as critical to meeting their 2050 net-zero commitments, as sustainable aviation fuel alone is unlikely to be sufficient at scale. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What does ZeroAvia do? ZeroAvia develops hydrogen-electric aircraft powertrains that replace conventional engines with fuel cells generating electricity from hydrogen, producing zero carbon emissions. It targets regional aircraft (9–80 seats) where battery aviation isn't yet feasible. ### Which airlines have invested in ZeroAvia? ZeroAvia has received investment from United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, British Airways' parent IAG, and Shell — reflecting airline interest in hydrogen propulsion as a path to decarbonizing short-haul aviation. ### When will ZeroAvia's engines be certified? ZeroAvia is targeting FAA/EASA type certification for its ZA600 hydrogen-electric powertrain (for 9–19 seat aircraft) around 2025–2026, enabling commercial retrofit of existing regional aircraft like the Beechcraft 1900 and Dornier 228. ### What is the key challenge for hydrogen aviation? Hydrogen storage and airport infrastructure are the primary challenges. Liquid hydrogen requires cryogenic storage tanks (which add weight), and airports need hydrogen production, storage, and fueling systems that don't yet exist at most facilities. ZeroAvia is working with partners on both fronts. ### How does hydrogen fuel cell propulsion work in an aircraft? ZeroAvia's system stores hydrogen gas (compressed) or liquid hydrogen onboard the aircraft. The hydrogen passes through a fuel cell stack where it reacts with oxygen from the air, generating electricity that powers electric motors turning the propellers. The only byproduct is water vapor — zero CO2 emissions during flight. ### What is ZeroAvia's ZA600 powertrain? The ZA600 is ZeroAvia's hydrogen-electric powertrain for 9–19 seat regional turboprop aircraft, designed to replace conventional gas turbine engines. It produces approximately 600 kW of power from its fuel cell and electric motor system, targeting retrofit of existing regional aircraft models like the Beechcraft 1900D and Dornier 228. ### What is ZeroAvia's strategy for the larger aircraft market? ZeroAvia's roadmap includes the ZA2000 powertrain targeting 40–80 seat aircraft (like the Dash 8-400 and ATR 42/72) in the late 2020s, and eventually larger narrow-body-class propulsion. Each step requires more hydrogen storage and fuel cell power, with technology developed on smaller aircraft informing larger platform development. ### What government support has ZeroAvia received? ZeroAvia has received grants and loans from the UK's Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI), the FAA, and UKRI Innovate UK — reflecting both the UK and US governments' interest in hydrogen aviation as a decarbonization pathway. The UK has positioned itself as a global leader in hydrogen aviation certification and testing infrastructure. ## Tags energy, startup, b2b --- *Data from geo.sig.ai Brand Intelligence Database. Updated 2026-04-14.*