Zero-carbon-emission aviation technology company ZeroAvia has signed an agreement with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Regional Jet Aviation Group (MHIRJ) to cooperate in the development of hydrogen-electric propulsion for regional airliners. ZeroAvia specialises in developing hydrogen-electric (fuel cell) engines for aircraft, with an initial focus on nine- to 19-seat aircraft in the 500 mile (804.7 km) range category. MHIRJ is the world number one maintenance, repair and overhaul provider for CRJ regional jets (originally produced by Bombardier).

“We believe that in the future almost every aircraft in the world will be powered by hydrogen-electric engines, simply because it is the most viable and scalable method for eliminating carbon and also to cut the other harmful emissions from the aviation sector,” affirmed ZeroAvia CEO Val Miftakhov. “This collaboration with MHIRJ is a significant milestone for us and the aviation industry as a whole. We are honoured to work with MHIRJ to introduce hydrogen-electric propulsion technology into the regional jet segment and demonstrate the myriad of cost and emissions benefits airlines can derive from hydrogen fuelled flight.”

“Developing aviation solutions for the future requires a re-assessment of their environmental impact and developing new technologies to ensure that aviation lives up to the commitments required to meet carbon reduction targets,” highlighted MHIRJ president and CEO Hiro Yamamoto. “At MHIRJ we are working with propulsion innovators to ensure that we are at the forefront of such developments and can design solutions to move the world forward. Regional aircraft are key to keeping smaller communities and regions connected and are also more able to exploit the new technologies on the horizon than larger aircraft and, therefore this is a logical place for this development to begin and we are proud to be a part of this innovative solution.”

ZeroAvia has already conducted more than 35 test flights with a modified single-engine six-seat Piper M-class aircraft, powered by the propulsion company’s hydrogen fuel cell powertrain. It is currently converting a 19-seat Dornier 228 commuter aircraft to use its zero-emission powertrain. The conversion is expected to be completed, and the first flight of the aircraft with its new zero-emission power plants is expected, within a few months.   

The cooperation agreement will allow the combination of ZeroAvia’s hydrogen fuel cell powertrain technology and MHIRJ’s aircraft design, certification and support experience. MHIRJ will give ZeroAvia engineering services support for its certification programme for its zero-emissions engines. ZeroAvia is seeking to achieve such certification (and market entry) for its power plants aimed at 19-seater aircraft by 2024. MHIRJ will also support ZeroAvia with advisory services regarding the retrofitting of its engines into existing regional aircraft. ZeroAvia also aims to certify powertrains for 50-seat to 80-seat aircraft by 2026 and for regional jets by 2028 or thereabouts.