ZeroAvia, a UK-based aviation start-up, has set a new world record for the largest hydrogen-powered aircraft flight in history.
The Dornier 228, a 19-seat aircraft designed by ZeroAvia, completed a 10-minute flight from Cotswolds Airport in Gloucestershire, England.
The ZA2000-RJ powertrain from ZeroAvia is predicted to have a range of 500 miles on a full tank, which could restore the economic viability of smaller regional flights. The benefits of this technology could be significant, as smaller cities have lost service because of the high cost of fuel.
Hydrogen as a fuel source is currently one of two more sustainable alternatives to powering aviation. Passenger aircraft need high-octane, energy-dense fuel sources because of the weight limitations that batteries can’t account for. ZeroAvia’s prototype powertrains have received approval from both the UK and US civil aviation authorities.
The aviation industry is a significant contributor to global emissions, accounting for 2.8% of all global emissions. ZeroAvia’s hydrogen-powered engines could help to reduce emissions and make commercial flights more sustainable.