ZeroAvia has announced a collaboration with Otto Aviation to develop a hydrogen-electric powertrain to power Otto’s Celera aircraft.

Under the agreement, Otto and ZeroAvia will work to integrate ZeroAvia’s ZA600 zero-emission engines, with the potential to make the Celera the first new airframe design to leverage zero-emission propulsion in its launch models.

The Celera is a transcontinental aircraft that can seat up to 19 passengers. When powered by ZeroAvia’s powertrain, the Celera will offer long range zero-emission flights.

Large volumes of hydrogen

The Celera design can accommodate large volumes of hydrogen within the fuselage that will enable 1,000 nautical miles of range – all with zero climate impact from carbon and non-carbon emissions, such as NOx, SOx and particulates.

William Otto, CEO of Otto Aviation, said: “ZeroAvia’s hydrogen-electric powertrain helps us to realise the commitment Otto has made to lower operating costs and climate impact for operators.

“Otto is looking to provide the most efficient aircraft in all senses of the word: minimising maintenance and operating costs and reducing emissions.”

Clean sheet designs

Val Miftakhov, ZeroAvia’s founder and CEO, said: “The majority of our commercial deals to date have focused on retrofit and line-fit for existing airframes, which is essential to deliver zero-emission flight to market as quickly as possible.

“However, efficiency gains from new airframe design can expand the impact of zero-emission aviation. We are pleased to collaborate with innovators, like Otto Aviation, bringing cutting-edge clean sheet designs to market as we can optimise the hydrogen-electric propulsion system for those designs.”

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