ZeroAvia has received design organisation approval from the UK Civil Aviation Authority, becoming the first hydrogen-electric aviation powertrain developer globally to achieve this regulatory milestone toward certifying its zero-emission aircraft engine technology
ZeroAvia has secured design organisation approval from the UK Civil Aviation Authority, marking a significant step toward certifying its hydrogen-electric propulsion system for commercial aircraft. The approval validates that the company possesses the necessary technical expertise, facilities, and capabilities to design aviation products that meet stringent safety standards.
The achievement makes ZeroAvia the first hydrogen-electric aviation powertrain developer worldwide to receive such accreditation from a national regulator. This designation authorizes the company to design and pursue type certification for its propulsion systems under commercial aviation regulations – requirements recognized by regulatory bodies including the European Union Aviation Safety Agency and the Federal Aviation Administration.
The approval advances ZeroAvia’s efforts to certify its ZA600 powertrain, a 600-kilowatt system that uses fuel cells to convert hydrogen into electricity, which powers electric motors that drive aircraft propellers. The technology produces only water vapor as emission and offers potential advantages in efficiency and maintenance costs.
ZeroAvia has achieved additional regulatory progress this year, with the FAA issuing G-1 and P-1 papers related to certifying the company’s 600kW electric propulsion system. The electric propulsion system incorporates proprietary motor and power electronics technology and functions as both a component of the ZA600 hydrogen-electric powertrain and a standalone power-source agnostic engine.
RVL Aviation plans to become the first operator of the ZA600 engine, deploying it in a Cessna Caravan 208b for UK cargo operations. ZeroAvia is also developing larger-scale versions of its hydrogen-electric technology and has secured thousands of engine pre-orders from airlines globally.
The CAA granted the approval following comprehensive evaluation of ZeroAvia’s UK research, development, and flight testing center at Cotswold Airport, including facility inspections, staff interviews, and process audits.
