13 May 2025
A Cessna Grand Caravan powered by ZeroAvia’s ZA600 hydrogen-electric propulsion system could be the world’s first zero emission commercial cargo aircraft – and it will be flying here in the UK.
East Midlands Airport based RVL Aviation will operate a Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft retrofitted with ZeroAvia’s ZA600 hydrogen-electric powertrain.
The services are expected to commence on domestic routes across the British Isles once regulatory certification is completed and all aircraft modifications and crew training are finalised.
The partnership marks a significant milestone for ZeroAvia, as the ZA600 engine nears commercial readiness following extensive flight testing on a Dornier 228 aircraft.
Image: ZeroAvia
The hydrogen-electric system uses fuel cells to generate electricity, powering electric motors with water as the only byproduct. According to McKinsey/Clean Sky analysis, such propulsion could cut aviation’s climate impact by up to 90%.
Val Miftakhov, founder and CEO of ZeroAvia, hailed the deal as a breakthrough, “We now have a confirmed launch operator with concrete plans to fly the ZA600 engine. With the technology in place, our focus shifts to certification and scaling up production for other customers.”
RVL Aviation has more than 40 years of experience in specialist aviation services including surveillance, survey, and dispersant operations. The company will lease the aircraft in collaboration with zero-emissions leasing specialist MONTE.
“This is a crucial step in our commitment to sustainable aviation,” said Dave Connor, CEO of RVL Aviation. “We’re proud to be among the first to move from aspiration to action with true zero-emission commercial flights.”
The agreement focuses initially on one Cessna Caravan 208B, but both companies expressed interest in expanding the technology across RVL’s broader fleet if the trial proves successful.
ZeroAvia is also developing a larger ZA2000 powertrain for aircraft with up to 80 seats, including models like the ATR72 and Dash 8, with testing and certification efforts underway in both the US and UK.
