Hydrogen-Powered Cargo Flights Set to Take Off with ZeroAvia and RVL Aviation Collaboration
ZeroAvia has teamed up with RVL Aviation to retrofit Cessna Grand Caravan planes with its innovative hydrogen-electric ZA600 powertrain. Once the necessary certifications for the engine and airframe are secured, flights across the British Isles will kick off.
Research from both companies indicates that these modified Cessna Caravans can operate efficiently while significantly reducing thier environmental footprint. Currently,there are about 1,000 cargo aircraft globally that could potentially transition to using ZeroAvia’s technology.
This partnership focuses on the Cessna Caravan 208B model, with RVL negotiating a lease agreement with MONTE—a global asset manager dedicated to funding sustainable regional transport solutions. If initial operations prove successful, they plan to expand small turboprop services within RVL’s growing network and integrate this technology into other areas of their business as conditions allow.
With over four decades in aviation services, RVL is well-equipped to support various government and private sector projects aimed at enhancing economic growth while prioritizing environmental sustainability. Based at East Midlands Airport, they offer a range of services including aerial surveys and aircraft charters from their maintenance facility.
The hydrogen-electric engines developed by ZeroAvia utilize fuel cells that convert hydrogen into electricity for electric motors—producing only water as a byproduct. Studies indicate that adopting this fuel cell technology could lead to an impressive reduction in climate impact by around 90%. Additionally, it may lower operational costs due to decreased maintenance needs and cheaper fuel expenses during large-scale operations.
“Today marks an exciting milestone for our team as we welcome our first launch operator ready to fly using the ZA600 engine,” said Val Miftakhov, founder and CEO of ZeroAvia. “We have everything lined up: engine design, integration plans for our launch aircraft, solutions for hydrogen supply—and eager customers ready for these inaugural routes. Now it’s time to focus on certification testing so we can get flying!”
“This initiative is thrilling,” added Dave Connor, CEO of RVL Aviation. “It’s a importent leap towards our goal of being central in global decarbonization efforts within aviation. The progress made by ZeroAvia is commendable; we’re excited about collaborating with such forward-thinking partners.”
“Sustainability isn’t just one action; it’s a series of steps—some big and some small—that collectively drive societal progress forward. This zero-emission project represents a major stride toward achieving those goals.”
ZeroAvia has already conducted extensive tests on its prototype ZA600 engine mounted on a Dornier 228 at its UK facility while pursuing certification from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). They’ve also carried out advanced ground tests in both the US and UK focusing on essential technologies like cryogenic tanks for liquid hydrogen storage along with high-temperature PEM fuel cells designed specifically for electric propulsion systems. The upcoming ZA2000 system aims to accommodate regional turboprop aircraft like ATR72 or Dash 8-400 models capable of seating up to 80 passengers.
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