Latest news with #ZeroAvia
Sustainability Times
17 hours ago
- Business
- Sustainability Times
'UK Aviation Enters New Era': Scotland's LoganAir Teams Up with ZeroAvia to Launch World's First Zero-Emission Flights
IN A NUTSHELL 🌍 LoganAir partners with ZeroAvia to pioneer sustainable aviation through hydrogen-electric technology. partners with ZeroAvia to pioneer sustainable aviation through hydrogen-electric technology. ✈️ ZeroAvia's engines use hydrogen fuel cells , producing only water as a byproduct for zero emissions. , producing only water as a byproduct for zero emissions. 🔧 The Cessna Caravan is chosen as the initial airframe for the ZA600 hydrogen-electric powertrain. is chosen as the initial airframe for the ZA600 hydrogen-electric powertrain. 💡 Hydrogen fuel cells are seen as a promising alternative for smaller aircraft due to their efficiency and potential to reduce maintenance costs. Scotland's regional airline, LoganAir, is embarking on a groundbreaking journey towards sustainable aviation. Partnering with ZeroAvia, the airline aims to integrate hydrogen-electric engines into its fleet, marking a significant step in the aviation industry's shift towards greener alternatives. This collaboration was announced during the prestigious Paris Air Show, highlighting LoganAir's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint. By utilizing ZeroAvia's innovative hydrogen fuel cell technology, LoganAir hopes to set a new standard for zero-emission flights. This initiative not only positions LoganAir as a pioneer in eco-friendly air travel but also paves the way for a more sustainable future in aviation. The Promise of Zero-Emission Flights ZeroAvia's cutting-edge technology revolves around hydrogen fuel cells, which power electric motors to drive aircraft propellers. This process results in zero emissions, with water being the only byproduct. This remarkable innovation could revolutionize the aviation industry by significantly reducing its environmental impact. ZeroAvia's engines are designed to operate efficiently at lower altitudes, where regional turboprops typically fly, eliminating the formation of contrails and further minimizing their ecological footprint. LoganAir's collaboration with ZeroAvia represents a bold move towards adopting this technology, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change. The partnership aims to retrofit LoganAir's existing aircraft with ZeroAvia's hydrogen-electric engines, starting with the Cessna Caravan as a testbed. This venture underscores LoganAir's dedication to sustainable air travel and sets a precedent for other airlines to follow suit in embracing green aviation solutions. 'It's Like Magic Fabric That Makes Power': Record-Breaking Flexible Solar Cells Deliver Unmatched Efficiency in Any Shape ZeroAvia to Retrofit Cessna Caravan as Launch Platform for ZA600 ZeroAvia has strategically selected the Cessna Caravan as the initial airframe for its ZA600 hydrogen-electric powertrain. This decision underscores the company's confidence in its technology and its applicability to regional aircraft. Since the first sale of the ZA600 to Jetcruzer International in February, ZeroAvia has amassed over 2,000 preorders, including a noteworthy conditional agreement with United Airlines for 100 units. The company is actively pursuing certification with the UK Civil Aviation Authority for both its ZA600 and the larger ZA2000 systems, targeting aircraft models like the Twin Otter and ATR series. With LoganAir operating a diverse fleet that includes these aircraft, the airline is well-positioned to leverage ZeroAvia's technology. LoganAir CEO Luke Farajallah expressed optimism about the partnership, emphasizing the airline's commitment to a sustainable aviation future and the promising fit between ZeroAvia's technology and LoganAir's operational needs. 'Green Hydrogen Just Got Cheap': Scientists Achieve Low-Cost Production Breakthrough That Could Transform Global Energy Markets Fuel Cells Better Suited for Smaller Aircraft Due to Size and Weight Limits Despite the higher cost of hydrogen fuel compared to kerosene, its increased efficiency may offset overall fuel expenses. While traditional jet engines currently remain more cost-effective, hydrogen fuel cells offer a promising alternative for smaller aircraft. These cells require a larger and heavier system to match the power output of conventional jet engines, making them ideal for regional turboprops, where power density is less critical. Switching to hydrogen fuel cells eliminates the need for liquid hydrogen storage and complex transportation infrastructure at airports. Additionally, fuel cells have fewer moving parts than traditional engines, potentially reducing maintenance costs. As the technology continues to evolve, the aviation industry could witness a shift towards these more sustainable power sources, furthering efforts to reduce aviation's carbon footprint and environmental impact. 'Dead Batteries Aren't Dead Anymore': US Lab Uses Nano-CT Scans to Revive EV Cells With Shocking Precision The Future of Sustainable Aviation LoganAir's partnership with ZeroAvia represents a significant milestone in the pursuit of sustainable aviation. By embracing hydrogen-electric technology, the airline positions itself at the forefront of eco-friendly air travel. This collaboration not only enhances LoganAir's environmental credentials but also sets a benchmark for other regional airlines. The aviation industry stands at a crossroads, with sustainability becoming an increasingly important focus. As hydrogen fuel cell technology advances and becomes more cost-effective, will other airlines follow LoganAir's lead and embrace zero-emission flights? The future of aviation may depend on the industry's willingness to innovate and invest in greener solutions. Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.4/5 (24)
The National
21-06-2025
- Business
- The National
The numbers prove the world is ignoring those who talk Scotland down
Despite persistent global headwinds, recent data from EY highlighted Scotland's attractiveness to global investment, and comparatively greater resilience in the face of general economic turbulence. EY's data places Scotland firmly as the UK's top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) outside of London – for the tenth year in a row – while Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow remain among the top six UK cities for FDI projects. Although the total number of new projects in Scotland fell 4.9% from record figures in 2023, that number is marginal compared to a drop of 13% in the rest of the UK, 14% in France and 17% in Germany. READ MORE: Scottish Government announces £23.5 million for active travel programmes Despite a slight dip in the total number of projects in 2024 (135 projects, down from a record 142 in 2023), Scotland's share of overall UK projects actually increased to 15.8% (from 14.4% in 2023). This shows Scotland's relative strength compared to broader declines in FDI across the UK and Europe. EY's survey of global investors found that a quarter of those planning to invest in the UK are targeting Scotland, maintaining the country's long-standing position in investors' eyes as the UK's preferred FDI destination outside of London. I recently visited the Glasgow offices of Canadian IT and business consulting services firm CGI Inc, which employs around 750 people across its Glasgow, Edinburgh, Borders and Aberdeen offices, and has nearly 100,000 employees globally. CGI Inc is one of the many thriving international businesses choosing to call Scotland home. The fascinating ZeroAvia, hailing from the US (and developing full hydrogen-electric aircraft engines), is another new resident, along with the Australian not-for-profit ticketing hub Humanitix, who recently opened an office in Edinburgh. 2025 is bringing further significant investment and exciting projects to Scotland. I realise some may be wondering why this is important, or what Scotland's leading place in FDI means. How does FDI benefit the people of Scotland? FDI plays a crucial role in Scotland's economy, contributing significantly to job creation, economic growth, innovation and exports. Quite simply, foreign-owned companies in Scotland, although representing a smaller percentage of all businesses, have a disproportionately large impact on the economy. READ MORE: Scottish Government launches new 'milestone' plan for disability equality These companies account for a substantial share of employment in Scotland, contributing significantly to job creation. These jobs often offer higher average wages than those in domestically owned businesses. Foreign-owned businesses contribute a disproportionately high percentage to Scotland's Gross Value Added (GVA), indicating that these companies possess high productivity and make an outsized economic impact. Inward investors have outstripped domestic businesses in investing in business research and development spending, which fosters innovation and technological advancement within the nation. These innovators also generate a large portion of the total business turnover in Scotland and become major drivers behind Scottish exports. FDI can bring new skills and management practices, which can 'spill over' and benefit domestic Scottish businesses through supply-chain opportunities, hiring and knowledge sharing. Geopolitical headwinds are clearly affecting investor confidence globally. Scotland's FDI resilience in the face of this crisis of confidence is an incredible endorsement of Scotland as a destination for global investment. Scotland's ability to maintain high project numbers and even increase its share of UK projects comes against a backdrop of a marked decline in FDI across Europe and the UK overall. READ MORE: Scottish Labour drop below Alba and Greens as by-election results called A huge amount of work, across both the private and public sectors, goes into securing these projects, which are vital for economic growth, job creation and bringing benefits across our towns and cities. It's a privilege to work with Team Scotland to secure these global opportunities, and the Scottish Government will continue to work with business partners to build our country's reputation as a world-class location for investment. In this digital and hyper-connected world, the continued pursuit of strategic inward investment will propel Scotland towards being a fairer and more prosperous nation. It's also a sign that investors from abroad don't listen to the relentless whingeing of the opposition in the Scottish Parliament about Scotland. Where the opposition see weakness, international allies see strengths.
The Herald Scotland
28-05-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Scottish economy trails UK but Kate Forbes flags positive
Responding to the first-quarter figures published today by the Scottish Government's chief economist directorate, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: 'It is encouraging to see quarterly growth continuing and getting stronger in Scotland - following a 0.1% rise at the end of 2024.' Comparing the opening three months of this year with the first quarter of 2024, Scotland's onshore GDP was up by 1.1%. UK GDP rose by 1.3% on the same time comparison. Read more GDP in the UK as a whole matched the Scottish growth of 0.1% quarter-on-quarter in the final three months of last year. In the first quarter of 2025, the Scottish services sector expanded by 0.5%, production output grew by 0.3%, and construction activity was flat. The agriculture, forestry and fishing sector contracted by 0.4%. Growth in the distribution, hotels and catering, and electricity sectors made the largest positive contributions towards total GDP, the chief economist directorate noted as it published the figures. Comparing the opening three months of 2025 with the same quarter of last year, Scotland's services sector has grown by 0.9%, and construction activity has expanded by 1%. Production output has grown by 2.6%, and the agriculture, forestry and fishing sector has expanded by 0.5%. Ms Forbes reiterated her call for the UK Government to reverse its hike in employers' national insurance contributions. This rise, announced in Chancellor Rachel Reeves's Budget on October 30, is aimed at raising £25 billion a year. It came into effect on April 6. Ms Forbes said: 'Our limited powers mean we also require decisive action from the UK Government to counter the damaging economic impacts of Brexit and tackle the economic uncertainty currently being felt by business, workers and families - including the reversal of its damaging decision to increase employers' national insurance contributions.' She noted the SNP's programme for government includes a six-point export plan 'to help businesses tap into new markets and increase sales'. Ms Forbes declared: 'In the face of ongoing global challenges, dynamic steps are being taken to grow and transform Scotland's economy. 'We are pursuing new investment, building export potential and supporting innovation. Last week, the First Minister announced that US green aircraft engine developer ZeroAvia is to establish a new manufacturing base in Scotland, creating around 350 jobs.'
The Herald Scotland
24-05-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Hydrogen aircraft firm backed by £50m government funding
I had an exclusive interview with Val Miftakhov in Edinburgh in December 2019, which of course was shortly before the outbreak of Covid, when his team was preparing for the world's largest hydrogen-fuelled zero emission aircraft - flying without any fossil fuel support – which was to be tested in Scotland, at that time with the target of the first commercial flights in three years. How the site would look. (Image: ZeroAvia) The test flight would be 250-300 nautical mile round flight from the Orkney Islands. At that stage, Mr Miftakhov said the record-breaking flight would create the first opportunity for commercialisation of zero emission flight. Then the pandemic hit. However, his firm, California-based ZeroAvia, managed to make the groundbreaking flight. Despite the challenges presented by the lockdown and through careful management, the flight was able to take off, but from its site in England at Cranfield University for the UK's "first commercial-scale electric-powered flight" in June 2020. Mr Miftakhov is a greentech entrepreneur and founder of eMotorWerks, he has a PhD in Physics from Princeton University and a master's in Physics from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, and is a two-times winner of Russian nationwide physics competitions. Val Miftakhov, founder and chief executive of ZeroAvia, said: 'Scotland has some unique advantages for ZeroAvia with strong aerospace and engineering skills, a burgeoning hydrogen sector and a clear aviation strategy with potential for early adoption of zero-emission flights.' (Image: ZeroAvia) The new site at Glasgow Airport announced this week will make fuel cells for hydrogen-powered aircraft, using energy that is stored after production from renewable sources. ZeroAvia plans to build a major manufacturing facility for the production of its hydrogen-electric 'powertrain' fuel cells at the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland in Renfrewshire, which would create 350 jobs. The firm hopes an engine that can power a 20-seat plane will enter service next year. The company is also developing the next generation of fuel cell aircraft engines with its ZA2000 for 40-80 seat aircraft. Mr Miftakhov on a test flight. (Image: ZeroAvia) It said that scaling to meet the power and operational requirements for these larger aircraft requires advanced fuel cells with higher power-to-weight ratio. The high temperature fuel cells that ZeroAvia will manufacture in the Glasgow facility, expected to open in 2028, are said to be key to unlocking fuel cell propulsion for larger aircraft. READ MORE: The project in Scotland is backed by funding including a £9 million grant from Scottish Enterprise, and the firm has had an equity investment of £20m from the Scottish National Investment Bank into ZeroAvia as part of the company's Series C funding, with the UK National Wealth Fund investing £32m as a cornerstone-level investor, with the Series C round was led by Airbus, Barclays Sustainable Impact Capital and NEOM Investment Fund. The UK Government has awarded ZeroAvia £18.5m total research and development funding since 2019 to develop fuel cell and powertrain technology. The firm said this support alongside more than $250m private investment has enabled it to make rapid progress after the first milestone of flying the world's first hydrogen-electric commercial-scale aircraft in 2020, to "more than doubling the power output to again fly the world's largest hydrogen-electric aircraft - a 19-seat Dornier in January 2023 - manufacturing and shipping fuel cell systems to customers, and to securing significant regulatory traction for the certification of its first powertrains". Mr Miftakhov said: "Scotland has some unique advantages for ZeroAvia with strong aerospace and engineering skills, a burgeoning hydrogen sector and a clear aviation strategy with potential for early adoption of zero-emission flights. The aviation industry is on the cusp of the biggest transformation since the advent of the jet age, with entirely new propulsion systems set to power the next era of aviation – cleaner flights, better economics and better experiences for all. "With this new facility, Scotland has a big role to play in driving this transformation. We welcome the grant award from Scottish Enterprise and the support of our equity investors that has enabled us to move into another phase of manufacturing readiness as we progress towards certification of our first engines." Glasgow-based Loganair has said it is in a partnership to progress hydrogen fuel operations from its Orkney base to the Scottish mainland in a move that could mean commercial hydrogen flights in five years. READ MORE: "Making aviation sustainable is crucial to a successful green economy and Scottish Enterprise is fully committed to backing ambitious companies with innovative ideas. "ZeroAvia's decision to come to Scotland is a real boost to our energy transition leadership, as well as being a further example of why Scotland is such a great place for inward investment." Kam Jandu, chief executive of AGS Airports, said: "Hydrogen is becoming an increasingly viable option for regional and short-haul aircraft, so it is fantastic to see ZeroAvia choose Glasgow Airport as the location for its manufacturing base. "As a regional airport group that serves the Highlands and Islands, as well as the Channel Islands from Southampton, AGS Airports is the perfect testbed for hydrogen powered flight. The Glasgow City Region has a critical mass of companies and skills, together with a vibrant academic and advanced manufacturing landscape to shape the sustainable future of aviation. ZeroAvia clearly recognises the benefits of locating its new facility here and we look forward to working with them to make zero emission flight a reality."
Glasgow Times
21-05-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
New 'hydrogen plane factory' to open near Glasgow Airport
The site near Glasgow Airport will make fuel cells for hydrogen-powered aircraft, using energy that is stored after production from renewable sources. California-based ZeroAvia is to build a major manufacturing facility for the production of its hydrogen-electric powertrain fuel cells at the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland, close to the airport, in Renfrewshire, creating 350 jobs. The firm hopes an engine that can power a 20-seat plane will enter service next year. The company is also developing the next generation of fuel cell aircraft engines with its ZA2000 for 40-80 seat aircraft. It said that scaling to meet the power and operational requirements for these larger aircraft requires advanced fuel cells with higher power-to-weight ratio. READ NEXT: Popular 'cornerstone of bustling street' bar brought to market READ NEXT: Fiancée pays tribute to 'amazing' partner who died in crash The site has been backed by UK and Scottish governments. (Image: ZeroAvia) The high temperature fuel cells that ZeroAvia will manufacture in the Glasgow facility, expected to open in 2028, are said to be key to unlocking fuel cell propulsion for larger aircraft. ZeroAvia said its Hydrogen Centre of Excellence will support the company in a range of manufacturing operations relating to powertrain production and testing and will also be the company's primary location for production of advanced high temperature fuel cell stacks and supporting systems. With nearly 3,000 full engine and component orders agreed with airlines – corresponding to over $10 billion in future revenues - ZeroAvia said it is advancing its production operations to meet demand. How the site would look. (Image: ZeroAvia) The new facility will work with ZeroAvia's Propulsion Center of Excellence in Washington State which is focusing primarily on electric motors and power electronics. The company also has plans to expand its research and development and aircraft testing centre at Cotswold Airport in Gloucestershire. The project in Scotland, which is expected to unlock millions in private investment and support hundreds of jobs over the next few years, has been made possible by a range of funding including a £9 million grant from Scottish Enterprise. This follows an equity investment of £20m from the Scottish National Investment Bank into ZeroAvia as part of the company's Series C funding, with the UK National Wealth Fund investing £32m as a cornerstone-level investor in round. The Series C round was led by Airbus, Barclays Sustainable Impact Capital and NEOM Investment Fund. The UK Government awarded ZeroAvia and consortium partners £10.5m to develop the advanced fuel cells in 2024 via the Aerospace Technology Institute programme in conjunction with the Department for Business and Trade and Innovate UK. The UK Government has awarded ZeroAvia £18.5m total R&D funding since 2019 to develop their fuel cell and powertrain technology. This support alongside more than $250m private investment has enabled ZeroAvia to make rapid progress in flying the world's first hydrogen-electric commercial scale aircraft in 2020, to more than doubling the power output to again fly the world's largest hydrogen-electric aircraft - a 19-seat Dornier in January 2023 - to manufacturing and shipping fuel cell systems to customers, and to securing significant regulatory traction for the certification of its first powertrains. ZeroAvia founder Val Miftakhov said Scotland is well-placed in the development of hydrogen power. (Image: ZeroAvia) Val Miftakhov, founder and chief executive, ZeroAvia, said: 'Scotland has some unique advantages for ZeroAvia with strong aerospace and engineering skills, a burgeoning hydrogen sector and a clear aviation strategy with potential for early adoption of zero-emission flights. The aviation industry is on the cusp of the biggest transformation since the advent of the jet age, with entirely new propulsion systems set to power the next era of aviation – cleaner flights, better economics and better experiences for all. 'With this new facility, Scotland has a big role to play in driving this transformation. We welcome the grant award from Scottish Enterprise and the support of our equity investors that has enabled us to move into another phase of manufacturing readiness as we progress towards certification of our first engines.' John Swinney, First Minister, and Ian Murray, Secretary of State for Scotland, are to speak at an event at Glasgow Airport for the launch of ZeroAvia's plans for its manufacturing facility at AMIDS. Mr Swinney said: 'ZeroAvia's decision to establish a base in Scotland – creating 350 highly-skilled jobs in the process - is the perfect illustration of Scotland's growing reputation in the global transition to net zero.' Mr Murray said that 'tens of millions of pounds of crucial investment from the UK Government is helping to develop the fuel cell technology that will be manufactured here in Scotland at this new facility'. Adrian Gillespie, of Scottish Enterprise, said: 'It is fantastic that we've been able to attract ZeroAvia to Scotland, not only for the jobs they will be creating, but for the hugely important role they can play in ensuring Scotland maintains its reputation for fostering innovative green technologies.'V Al Denholm, Chief Executive of Scottish National Investment Bank, said: 'Decarbonising aviation and developing our hydrogen industry are critical elements in our journey toward a net-zero economy. Having ZeroAvia's manufacturing base near Glasgow Airport will bring highly skilled jobs to the area, and we're particularly pleased to see the demand that already exists for this innovative technology.'
