Hydrogen-Electric Cargo Flights Take Off in the UK with ZeroAvia’s ZA600 Powertrain

ZeroAvia is teaming up with UK-based RVL Aviation and leasing company MONTE to kickstart the country’s very first hydrogen-electric cargo flights. At the heart of the plan is a fleet of Cessna Caravan 208B aircraft, which are being retrofitted with ZA600 fuel cell powertrains. With certification from the UK Civil Aviation Authority expected by 2025, these next-gen planes could soon be flying all over the British Isles.

Taking a big step toward cleaner skies

This collaboration rides the wave of the UK’s growing focus on industrial decarbonization, particularly in regional aviation. The plan isn’t just about upgrading old planes—it also includes building out liquid hydrogen (LH₂) infrastructure and updating pilot training to get everyone ready for the shift to hydrogen-electric propulsion.

These new engines aren’t just greener—they’ve got some serious perks: emissions are expected to drop by up to 90%, refueling takes just 30 minutes, and the quieter performance could open the door to late-night cargo flights without the noise complaints.

Building on past wins and eyeing what’s next

The move follows ZeroAvia’s success with its 2022 HyFlyer II test flights and fits right into the UK’s ambitious £4 billion push for zero-emission aircraft. And they’re not stopping with the ZA600. A bigger system, the ZA2000, designed for 80-seat regional jets, is already on the horizon for later this decade.

Between cleaner engines, improved fuel cell technology, and a bolstered hydrogen infrastructure, this is a major step forward—and it’s happening sooner than you might think.