ZeroAvia today announced that it has been selected by the UK's Civil Aviation Authority as one of three companies to participate in the regulator's inaugural Hydrogen Challenge Sandbox. The Hydrogen Challenge will see ZeroAvia work with the CAA to ensure increased regulatory readiness, reduced risk of failure, and improved collaboration in the adoption of hydrogen propulsion technologies and fuel.

The UK Civil Aviation Authority launched the Hydrogen Challenge in November 2023 to help leverage the potential of hydrogen as a zero-carbon emission aviation fuel. The Hydrogen Challenge is funded with nearly £940,000 from the Regulators' Pioneer Fund, which is overseen by the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology.

Introducing hydrogen propulsion is key to achieving the Government's Jet Zero Strategy and is also a key deliverable for the UK Civil Aviation Authority's sustainability strategy.

The UK Civil Aviation Authority will continue to address these issues through its Hydrogen Challenge, using a Regulatory Sandbox approach to make sure regulation is fit for purpose and reduce challenges associated with the introduction of hydrogen fuel. Sandbox services are offered prior to the start of the process for regulatory certification, which will help accelerate the introduction of new technologies.

ZeroAvia is developing hydrogen-electric (fuel cell) engines for aviation, already flying a prototype system in a Dornier 228 testbed under a CAA Permit to Fly and has submitted its application to certify its first 600kW engine, ZA600. The company will work with the UK Civil Aviation Authority's challenge to identify hazards, risks, and safety challenges associated with the retrofitting of a hydrogen-electric power train.

Sophie O'Sullivan, Head of Future Safety & Innovation at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said:

“Our Hydrogen Challenge is key to enabling innovation while maintaining safety and this challenge is a clear example of our collaborative approach to shaping the future of aviation.

“Working closely with the three winners will facilitate our efforts to move towards a net-zero aviation sector by supporting the industry to explore how feasible the introduction of hydrogen is and how we can make sure regulation is fit for purpose.”

Paul Harper, Director of Airworthiness & Certification, ZeroAvia, said:

“With the ever increasing optimism around hydrogen as the fuel of the future for aviation, it is critical that there is good knowledge sharing between the regulator and industry in this nascent area. Given we are already flight testing and working with the CAA on certification of our first engine, now is the right time for the Hydrogen Challenge to swing into action.”