ZeroAvia plans to begin series production of its hydrogen fuel-cell systems in Scotland in late 2029, with new 400- and 600-kilowatt versions planned for its product range. Chief executive Cécile Ourmières-Widener also expects the first ZA200 units for certification testing to be ready for use on a certified aircraft in 2027. The dates are company targets; no new timetable was provided for certification of the full ZA600 powertrain.
The systems are intended for applications including runway and vertical-takeoff electric aircraft, military drones and small utility aircraft such as trainers. Ourmières-Widener also pointed to fuel cells and hydrogen tanks as a means of extending the range of battery-electric aircraft. For defence users, she cited low noise and heat signatures as relevant characteristics.
ZeroAvia is moving towards partnerships rather than developing all technologies in-house. Its collaborations with Marshall Aerospace and Safran began in July. The company has closed its Everett, Washington, factory and consolidated most staff at Kemble, England, with laboratories in Kent.
A separate high-temperature fuel-cell programme for larger airliners remains at proof-of-concept stage, with production targeted around 2035. The Dornier 228 testbed completed 12 ZA600 powertrain test flights before testing paused in 2024. Ourmières-Widener reported more than 50 flights across generations of the company’s power-generation system; no imminent flight testing was planned as of July.