This marks Horizon’s first step toward integrating a zero-emission power source into its next-generation aircraft design, aligning with industry momentum around sustainable propulsion technologies. At the heart of the collaboration is ZeroAvia’s ZA600 hydrogen-electric powertrain, a solution designed to deliver greater range, lower emissions, and operational efficiency for electric aircraft platforms.

The Cavorite X7 features a distinctive fan-in-wing design with 14 integrated lift fans, allowing it to perform vertical take-offs and landings before seamlessly transitioning to wing-borne flight. With its sliding panels concealing the lift fans in cruise mode, the X7 offers the flexibility to land on a traditional runway or confined urban spaces the size of a tennis court. Horizon has already conducted successful untethered prototype flight tests, including hover and transition phases, and has secured approval for further testing from Canadian aviation authorities. Support from the U.S. Department of Defense adds further weight to its development trajectory.

“This collaboration represents another leadership step in exploring hydrogen as a potential propulsion option for the Cavorite X7,” said Val Miftakhov, Founder and CEO of ZeroAvia. “More and more eVTOL companies are looking to hydrogen-electric propulsion as the breakthrough that can extend range potential and durability of electric systems. Horizon has developed an exciting application and already demonstrated meaningful progress through prototype testing.”

Brandon Robinson, CEO and Co-founder of Horizon Aircraft, added: “We are a company that continues to focus on what is best for operators of our aircraft. We have been impressed with ZeroAvia’s flight demonstrations and traction with regulators. We are thankful for the opportunity to explore hydrogen solutions for the regional air mobility market which could develop into a viable solution to deliver clean, fast, and highly-efficient air travel.”

Beyond propulsion development, the partnership aims to accelerate research into the infrastructure and certification frameworks needed to enable large-scale deployment of hydrogen-electric eVTOLs.

ZeroAvia, a global leader in clean aviation technologies, has already submitted its first full hydrogen-electric engine for aircraft of up to 20 seats for certification and is actively developing powertrains for 40–80 seat aircraft. The company works closely with both the FAA and the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority and is establishing a significant presence in fixed-wing, eVTOL, rotorcraft, and UAV propulsion solutions.

For Horizon Aircraft, the partnership reflects a commitment to exploring the most practical and scalable propulsion technologies while developing a certification pathway for the Cavorite X7. Target markets include regional operators, emergency services, and military customers—all of whom are seeking high-performance aircraft capable of operating safely and efficiently in a variety of mission profiles.