ZeroAvia and Safran announced a partnership on 17 July 2026 to accelerate hydrogen-electric propulsion maturation, with joint R&D focused specifically on advanced high-temperature fuel cells. This collaboration merges ZeroAvia’s proprietary HTPEM stack development—already backed by a £10.5m UK ATI grant for large turboprops and narrowbody jets—with Safran’s dominance in helicopter motors and aircraft equipment. The partners will target demanding aviation applications beyond current 9–19 seat commuter planes, potentially enabling 40–80 seat rotorcraft and eventually 100+ seat single-aisle turbofans. No financial value, duration, or initial aircraft platform was disclosed, though Safran’s existing turbogenerator deal with Aura Aero for electric regional aircraft suggests a logical pathway toward ERA integration.