ZeroAvia this week announced plans to provide maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services for regional aircraft powered by its hydrogen-electric propulsion system. On Tuesday, the company signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with line maintenance provider Feam Aero, which has 52 bases worldwide.
California-based ZeroAvia is working to achieve type certification for its 600-kilowatt ZA600 powertrain for aircraft seating between nine and 19 passengers. It aims to have the first aircraft converted and in service in 2025. By 2027, it expects to introduce the 2-kilowatt ZA2000 powertrain for aircraft with between 30 and 90 seats.
The system is based on hydrogen-electric engines, with fuel cells using hydrogen to generate electricity to drive the motors that turn the aircraft’s propellers. According to ZeroAvia, the only emissions will be water.
For the past 15 months, ZeroAvia has been flight-testing the ZA600 on a Dornier 228 prototype. Feam Aero is already providing support for some Dash 8 and CRJ aircraft it is using to work on the ZA2000 powertrain.
Under the MoU, Feam Aero has agreed to consider plans to establish green hydrogen production capability at some of its U.S. locations. Having fuel available at these bases would support early retrofit work, as well as testing and training.
“Fuel cell and electric propulsion systems will keep aircraft flying longer, but the improved economics and drastically reduced environmental impact also mean that there will be more flying, so there is a big opportunity for MRO providers in this transition,” said James Peck, ZeroAvia’s chief customer officer. “ZeroAvia needs to partner to build the network that can support our customers who are already planning to switch away from combustion engines and Feam Aero has an exceptional track record of service and an uncompromising focus on safety and quality, as well as a strong alignment with ZeroAvia’s values.”