ZeroAvia and Hybrid Air Vehicles (HAV) have announced a strategic partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding to develop a hydrogen-electric variant of the innovative Airlander 10 aircraft. This collaboration aims to achieve fully zero-emission flight for an aircraft that promises to open new markets in air travel.
The Airlander 10 is a hybrid aircraft that utilizes a unique combination of aerostatic lift (from its helium-filled hull), aerodynamic lift, and vectored thrust. It is designed to carry over 100 passengers or a 10-tonne payload over a remarkable maximum range of 4,000 nautical miles, with the ability to operate from diverse locations, including water. The initial production model will be powered by four diesel engines, already offering a significant emissions reduction of up to 90% compared to similar capacity aircraft. The integration of ZeroAvia’s hydrogen-electric propulsion system is the critical next step to eliminate in-flight carbon emissions entirely.
ZeroAvia brings its advanced ZA600, a first-generation 600kW hydrogen-electric powertrain, to the partnership. This technology has already secured substantial pre-orders, attracted launch customer airlines, and passed key regulatory milestones, including flight testing on a 19-seat aircraft. The Airlander 10’s voluminous hull presents an ideal configuration for housing the necessary hydrogen storage tanks and fuel cell systems, making it a perfect platform for near-market hydrogen technologies. This initiative will build upon HAV’s own research into electric propulsion.
The agreement extends beyond the Airlander 10, as the companies will also study the application of ZeroAvia’s powertrains for HAV’s future, larger aircraft and assess the required hydrogen fuel infrastructure for planned operations. Both companies are UK-based innovators, and this partnership underscores a shared commitment to expanding advanced manufacturing, creating high-value jobs, and developing cutting-edge, environmentally friendly aviation technology with potential applications across commercial and defence sectors.
Tom Grundy, CEO of HAV, stated that ZeroAvia’s progress made them the ideal partner to deliver on the promise of a zero-emission Airlander. Val Miftakhov, CEO of ZeroAvia, highlighted the Airlander’s unique capabilities and the partnership’s role in boosting UK manufacturing and technological leadership.
