FutureFlight
ZeroAvia Makes First Hydrogen Test Flight With Piper Malibu Technology Demonstrator
The six-seater aircraft took off from ZeroAvia's UK development base with a complete propulsion system including hydrogen fuel cells.
Zero Avia Piper
Zero Avia has flown a hydrogen-powered Piper Malibu aircraft, but has plans to use the fuel for aircraft that could carry 200 passengers just over 3,000 miles. [Photo: Zero Avia]

ZeroAvia this week flew its Piper Malibu technology demonstrator for the first time with its new hydrogen propulsion system, including hydrogen fuel cells. On September 24, the aircraft made an eight-minute flight from the company’s research and development base at the UK’s Cranfield Airport, reaching an altitude of 1,000 feet and a speed of 100 ktas.

During a September 25 press conference, ZeroAvia founder and CEO Val Miftakhov said his team has had discussions with seven aircraft manufacturers about possible retrofit and new-build applications for the propulsion system. He said the company has signed letters of intent with 10 airlines that have expressed an interest in the program based on presentations made to around 30 different prospective operators.