Kemble, UK & Bedford, UK – 10 November 2025 — ZeroAvia and Hybrid Air Vehicles (HAV) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on developing a hydrogen-electric variant of the Airlander 10, a hybrid aircraft that combines aerostatic lift, aerodynamic lift and vectored thrust.
The partnership aims to equip the Airlander 10 with four of ZeroAvia’s ZA600 hydrogen-electric powertrains, delivering full zero-emission in-flight operations while reducing maintenance costs. With ample space for hydrogen storage in the hull, the Airlander platform provides an ideal opportunity to integrate first-generation hydrogen technologies such as low-temperature PEM fuel cells and electric propulsion systems that are nearing certification.
The Airlander 10 can carry more than 100 passengers and has a payload capacity of 10 tonnes with a range of 4,000 nautical miles. The initial version, powered by four diesel engines, already achieves up to a 90% emissions reduction compared with similar capacity aircraft. Incorporating hydrogen-electric propulsion will bring the design to full zero-emission capability.
ZeroAvia’s ZA600 powertrain, producing 600 kW, has passed several regulatory milestones and secured multiple pre-orders. The company has successfully flight-tested the system on a 19-seat aircraft and continues to work with both the UK CAA and US FAA toward certification.
As part of the agreement, the two companies will also assess the potential for applying ZeroAvia’s technology to future larger HAV aircraft and study the hydrogen infrastructure required for Airlander operations.
Tom Grundy, CEO of Hybrid Air Vehicles, said:
“ZeroAvia has led the development of hydrogen-electric propulsion systems and made impressive progress commercially, technically and with regulators. Our intention has always been to offer our customers a fully zero-emission variant of the Airlander, and this partnership will help us in this direction.”
Val Miftakhov, Founder and CEO of ZeroAvia, added:
“Airlander is another exciting airframe for our powertrains, opening new markets due to its range, efficiency and ability to operate from almost anywhere. Like ZeroAvia, Hybrid Air Vehicles is an aerospace innovator with exciting UK manufacturing plans that can deliver hundreds of skilled jobs.”
The collaboration strengthens the UK’s position in the race to develop sustainable aviation solutions and demonstrates growing industry momentum towards hydrogen-powered flight.
