Hydrogen-electric aviation technology developer ZeroAvia has signed an agreement with ASL Aviation Holdings to design electric conversions for ASL’s ATR72 freight aircraft.
The project undertaken by the UK-based aviation company includes a conditional order for up to 10 converted ATR72s running on hydrogen power from 2026 onwards. ASL Airlines Ireland will provide ZeroAvia with a retired aircraft as a demonstration case, so that ZeroAvia can address potential practical concerns with the model before beginning to convert the active aircraft.
Val Miftakhov, CEO and founder of ZeroAvia said: “ASL has identified zero emissions technology as an enormous priority and, happily, is pursuing the opportunity with energy. Given our success in demonstrating the technology in flight testing, the advanced nature of the R&D for our first certifiable configuration, and the technological progress we are making, we are confident that this partnership will lead to some of the earliest commercial freight operations using hydrogen-electric propulsion.”
The refitting of the aircraft is expected to use ZeroAvia’s ZA2000 powertrain engine replacement. This model is designed for aircraft that seat 40-90 passengers when configured as such. ZeroAvia will collaborate with ASL on the development of an optimised variant of the ZA2000, as well as an improved version of ZeroAvia’s refuelling technology to handle the increased load of the cargo aircraft.
Dave Andrew, CEO, ASL Aviation Holdings, said: “This deal with ZeroAvia’s further strengthens ASL’s commitment to being a first-mover in the introduction of new emissions reduction technology in our current fleet.”
“ZeroAvia will support us in the provision of cargo services and vital connectivity in an environmentally sustainable way without having to wait for the introduction of new aircraft types. It’s critical for ASL that we take immediate steps to reduce our carbon footprint and ZeroAvia’s hydrogen-electric powertrain will allow us to operate cost effective regional freight services using existing aircraft that are now powered by traditional turbines.”
“ZeroAvia’s early flight test successes are promising, and we are also excited by the extensive research and development (R&D) they have put into the green hydrogen production and the refuelling ecosystem needed to support air operations.”
This collaboration follows shortly after ZeroAvia’s recent partnership with The Hague Airport to develop commercial hydrogen-powered flight plans between Rotterdam and London.
