Story ID: 456
ZeroAvia, Loganair Explore Hydrogen Engines
By: Sarah Rose
Caption: MOU targets zero-emission flights
Word Count: 308
ZeroAvia has signed a memorandum of understanding with Loganair to explore the adoption of hydrogen-electric engines for regional flights, with the goal of enabling zero-emission aviation across Scotland.
“The recent commitments made by ZeroAvia to bring their hydrogen fuel-cell manufacturing center to Glasgow and the strong engagement between our senior teams has made this next step entirely possible and logical," said Loganair CEO Luke Farajallah.
ZeroAvia is currently working with the UK CAA to certify the ZA600, a 600-kilowatt hydrogen-electric powertrain designed for 10- to 20-seat airplanes. The Cessna Caravan is set to be the launch platform. Future certification plans for other airframes include the de Havilland Twin Otter, an aircraft Loganair uses to serve remote Highland and Island communities.
In addition to the ZA600, ZeroAvia is developing the ZA2000, a modular engine targeted at 40- to 80-seat regional turboprops such as the ATR family. Loganair operates more than 20 ATR turboprop twins, making it a prime candidate for future adoption of the technology.
Hydrogen-electric propulsion uses hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity, driving electric motors with only water as a byproduct. Combined with the lower cruising altitudes of regional aircraft—which typically do not form contrails—this results in virtually zero in-flight emissions.
Beyond environmental gains, the technology also promises operational benefits. Hydrogen-electric systems are expected to reduce maintenance costs and downtime, while hydrogen fuel itself may prove cheaper than kerosene as infrastructure scales.
The agreement with Loganair also reflects ZeroAvia’s broader footprint in Scotland, where it is partnering with Glasgow Airport and establishing a hydrogen fuel cell manufacturing facility near the airline’s base of operations.
ZeroAvia also recently announced that the UK awarded it and its partners a €10.8 million grant to develop a novel liquid hydrogen management system.