ZeroAvia has agreed a development collaboration with Indian state-owned aerospace and defence company, Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) for a hydrogen-electric powertrain capable of flying the 19-seat Dornier 228 aircraft up to 500 nm.

HAL intends to work with ZeroAvia to develop an STC to allow retrofits of existing airframes for both Indian military and worldwide operators. HAL will continue to build new aircraft with additional FAA approval for the Hindustan-228, creating the opportunity to incorporate ZeroAvia's ZA600 zero-emission engines. ZeroAvia will work closely with HAL and aircraft regulators during this project to ensure that aircraft meets both safety and operational requirements.

A Dornier 228 based at ZeroAvia's facility at Cotswold airport, in the UK, is being used as the dedicated development platform for the HyFlyer II project, which is progressing the R&D required for the ZA600 powertrain for the 19-seat aircraft. ZeroAvia recently successfully ground-tested its 600kW powertrain and will begin flight testing using its Dornier 228 in the coming months to achieve certification and entry into commercial service in 2024.

“HAL is committed to contributing to the protection and better development of the environment. This MoU with ZeroAvia has the potential to pave the way for zero emission regional connectivity. We are looking forward to steering and supporting sustainable and environmentally friendly aviation in India and the world,” says R. Madhavan, chairman and managing director for HAL.

“We are pleased to be working with HAL to deliver zero emission aircraft to market in the shortest time frame,” adds Val Miftakhov, CEO and founder of ZeroAvia. “HAL has a long experience with the Dornier 228 aircraft, and since this is also our flight test aircraft, this collaboration helps us achieve our goal of certifying our engine whilst providing an STC solution to operators worldwide.”

In October 2021, ZeroAvia and Rotterdam's The Hague airport announced a partnership with the aim of establishing the world's first hydrogen-electric international passenger route, using a 19-seat Dornier 228.