Everett, Washington – 19 August 2025 — ZeroAvia has taken another step toward commercialising hydrogen-electric aviation after receiving a signed P-1 Special Conditions Issue Paper from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for its 600kW electric propulsion system (EPS). The agreement on this P-1 paper sets out the specific safety requirements the innovative system must meet on its path to certification.
This milestone follows the FAA’s issuance of a G-1 Issue Paper in February 2025 and signifies strong regulatory momentum for ZeroAvia’s technology. Once the FAA finalises and publishes its Special Conditions rule, the company will advance to the next certification stage to define compliance methods. This progress complements ZeroAvia’s certification journey with the UK Civil Aviation Authority for its ZA600 hydrogen-electric powertrain.
Efficient, High-Power Electric Propulsion
The 600kW EPS combines ZeroAvia’s proprietary inverter and electric motor technologies, delivering high electrical efficiency, fault tolerance and power density—all essential for modern electric aircraft. The system uses four 200kW bidirectional inverters to convert DC power to AC, feeding a direct-drive motor capable of 2,200 rpm. The modular system is designed for a wide range of applications across battery-electric, hybrid and hydrogen-electric aircraft platforms.
ZeroAvia launched its EPS component offering in May 2024 to support the growing demand for propulsion solutions across electric fixed-wing aircraft, rotorcraft and UAVs. The system also forms a key component of the company’s broader ZA600 hydrogen-electric powertrain—designed for aircraft carrying up to 20 passengers.
Advancing Hydrogen-Electric Flight
ZeroAvia has already tested a prototype ZA600 aboard a Dornier 228 aircraft in the UK. It is working with Textron Aviation for a supplemental type certificate on the Cessna Grand Caravan, and RVL Aviation has signed on as the UK launch customer for the world’s first hydrogen-electric commercial service route.
ZeroAvia Founder and CEO Val Miftakhov said: “Getting this electric propulsion system certified and into service will be a monumental leap in the next great transition in aviation: from fossil fuel combustion to electric aviation. Electrifying aviation will deliver a step change in efficiency plus steep reductions in operating costs by overcoming volatile fuel prices and the costly maintenance of complex, high-intensity combustion engines.”
He added: “Air travel has been bringing the world together for more than a century, but we can do better for passengers trying to get to and from underserved communities, hours away from a hub airport. ZeroAvia and others in advanced air mobility are laying the groundwork to connect more people, more affordably, and to more places.”
About ZeroAvia
ZeroAvia is a leader in clean-flight technologies, developing hydrogen-electric and electric propulsion systems aimed at reducing emissions, lowering operating costs and expanding connectivity. The company is pursuing certification programmes for both its ZA600 and next-generation ZA2000 engines, supporting aircraft from 20-seat commuter types to 80-seat regional turboprops such as the ATR 72 and Dash 8-400.
SOURCE AND IMAGE: ZeroAvia
