Alongside Barclays and the Saudi Neom, the European aircraft manufacturer Airbus entered the capital of the British start-up ZeroAviaspecialized in the development of hydrogen-powered electric aircraft engines.
This financing, the amount of which has not been revealed, should allow ZeroAvia to accelerate the development of its ZA600 engine with a power of 750KW with a view to obtaining certification. A hydrogen engine powerful enough to equip airliners with up to 20 seatsaccording to the start-up.
ZeroAvia recently completed the first stage of flight testing of the ZA600 prototype installed on a Dornier Do-228 aircraft and is preparing to finalize its design before certification, with the aim of commercialization in 2025.
Alongside this fundraising, Airbus and ZeroAvia plan to collaborate on certification activities for hydrogen electrical systems. The two partners also intend to work together in a number of other areas, ranging from hydrogen storage to flight and ground testing of propulsion systems, as well as in the development of infrastructure and hydrogen refueling operations.
