Loganair, Scotland’s largest regional airline, has announced a partnership with hydrogen aviation startup ZeroAvia to develop zero-emission aircraft for short-haul routes across the UK and Europe, marking a significant step toward sustainable regional aviation.
The partnership will center on the potential integration of ZeroAvia’s ZA2000 hydrogen-electric engine, a modular 2–5 megawatt powertrain currently under development for aircraft with 40–80 seats. Loganair operates a fleet of more than 20 aircraft in that category, including ATR 42s and 72s, making it a potential early adopter for commercial hydrogen-powered flights.
ZeroAvia’s hydrogen-electric engines use fuel cells to convert liquid hydrogen into electricity, which powers electric motors turning propellers. The company claims its aircraft systems produce “effectively zero” in-flight emissions, with turboprop aircraft operating below typical contrail-forming altitudes.
“The future of sustainable flight will rely on companies like ZeroAvia and Loganair to be the pioneers of new technology,” said Loganair CEO Luke Farajallah in a statement. He added that the “strong engagement between our senior teams” and ZeroAvia’s decision to locate a manufacturing facility in Glasgow helped make the collaboration a logical next step.
ZeroAvia raised $150 million in funding last year from investors including Airbus and American Airlines to advance certification of its ZA600 engine for smaller 10–20 seat aircraft. While the ZA600 is progressing through trials with the UK Civil Aviation Authority, the larger ZA2000 is being developed to serve a wider segment of regional aviation.
For airlines, hydrogen-electric propulsion could offer both environmental and economic benefits. These engines are expected to have lower maintenance needs compared to combustion engines, while hydrogen fuel — despite current supply chain and cost hurdles — is projected to become more affordable over time compared to conventional jet fuel.