Cotswold Airport-based ZeroAvia, an innovator in hydrogen-electric zero emission powertrains, has signed an agreement to partner with ASL Aviation Holdings in developing hydrogen-electric engine conversions for ATR72 aircraft.

The project will include an order with ZeroAvia for converting up to 10 of ASL's owned ATR72 freighter aircraft to hydrogen-electric propulsion, resulting in zero emission cargo operations.

Under the deal, ASL Airlines Ireland will provide a retired ATR72F aircraft for the program development and subsequent use as a demonstrator. ASL will then convert a number of owned aircraft on its freight operations, resulting in the launch of zero-emission hydrogen-electric powered operations for the carrier from 2026 onwards.

ZeroAvia and ASL aim to use ZeroAvia's new technology to reduce emissions progressively in the regional sector where connectivity is a critical issue.

Dave Andrew, CEO of ASL Aviation Holdings said: "This deal with ZeroAvia's further strengthens ASL's commitment to being a first-mover in the introduction of new emissions reduction technology in our current fleet.

"ZeroAvia will support us in the provision of cargo services and vital connectivity in an environmentally sustainable way without having to wait for the introduction of new aircraft types. It's critical for ASL that we take immediate steps to reduce our carbon footprint and ZeroAvia's hydrogen-electric powertrain will allow us to operate cost effective regional freight services using existing aircraft that are now powered by traditional turbines."

Val Miftakhov, CEO and founder of ZeroAvia added: "ASL has identified zero emissions technology as an enormous priority and, happily, is pursuing the opportunity with energy. 

"Given our success in demonstrating the technology in flight testing, the advanced nature of the R&D for our first certifiable configuration, and the technological progress we are making, we are confident that this partnership will lead to some of the earliest commercial freight operations using hydrogen-electric propulsion."

To support the refueling of the aircraft, ZeroAvia is currently working toward scaling its already developed Hydrogen Airport Refuelling Ecosystem (HARE).

The business was also recently awarded a new transport research and innovation grant from the UK Department for Transport's Zero Emission Flight Infrastructure (ZEFI) programme, in order to explore concepts for liquid hydrogen refuelling in an airport setting.