Technology & Innovation
ZeroAvia Achieves FAA Milestone for 600kW Hydrogen Electric Propulsion
ZeroAvia receives FAA P-1 Issue Paper for its 600kW hydrogen-electric propulsion system, advancing commercial zero-emission aviation certification.
ZeroAvia’s receipt of a signed P-1 Issue Paper from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on August 19, 2025, marks a pivotal step in the journey toward sustainable aviation. This regulatory milestone, which follows the G-1 Issue Paper issued in February 2025, establishes the special conditions required for Certification ZeroAvia’s advanced 600kW electric propulsion system (EPS). The development is significant for the aviation industry, as it signals a maturing regulatory framework for integrating novel electric propulsion technologies into commercial operations.
The importance of this achievement is underscored by the global push for decarbonizing aviation, a sector responsible for a notable share of greenhouse gas emissions. ZeroAvia’s progress not only demonstrates technical innovation but also regulatory leadership in a field where safety, reliability, and compliance are paramount. As the company moves closer to commercializing its hydrogen-electric powertrain, the ripple effects could influence the direction of sustainable aviation for years to come.
With the P-1 Issue Paper, ZeroAvia stands at the forefront of the transformation to zero-emission aviation. The company’s 600kW EPS, designed for aircraft up to 20 seats, is a key component of the broader ZA600 hydrogen-electric powertrain. The regulatory process now underway could enable ZeroAvia to bring these innovations to market as early as 2025-2026, offering the promise of dramatically reduced climate impact and operational cost savings for airlines and operators.
Founded in 2017 by Valery Miftakhov, ZeroAvia has quickly become a recognized leader in the quest to decarbonize aviation. Miftakhov’s background, spanning physics research, executive roles at technology giants, and previous cleantech entrepreneurship, has shaped the company’s focus on Hydrogen-electric propulsion as a viable solution for commercial flight. The company’s dual presence in the US and UK has allowed it to pursue parallel regulatory pathways and access diverse markets and talent pools.
ZeroAvia emerged at a time when aviation’s contribution to global carbon emissions was coming under increased scrutiny. In the UK alone, aviation contributes over 38 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent annually, with projections suggesting it could account for a quarter of national emissions by 2050. The urgency for change has driven the search for propulsion alternatives that can deliver both environmental and operational benefits.
Unlike many competitors focused on battery-electric solutions, ZeroAvia has prioritized hydrogen fuel cell technology, citing the higher energy density and suitability for longer-range and heavier payloads. The company’s hydrogen-electric engines generate electricity from hydrogen fuel cells to power electric motors, emitting only water as a byproduct. This approach aims to overcome the limitations of batteries in aviation and provide a scalable pathway toward zero-emission commercial flight.
The FAA’s issuance of the P-1 Issue Paper to ZeroAvia represents a crucial advancement in the certification process for electric propulsion systems. The P-1 follows the G-1 Issue Paper, which outlined the applicable airworthiness regulations and design requirements specific to ZeroAvia’s technology. The P-1 now documents the special conditions that must be addressed for the 600kW EPS to achieve certification in the United States.
Once the FAA finalizes the Special Conditions rule in the Federal Register, ZeroAvia and the agency will determine the means of compliance required for certification. This structured approach ensures that novel technologies like electric propulsion are subject to rigorous safety evaluation, while also providing a clear pathway for market entry. Historically, such regulatory processes can take several years, but ZeroAvia’s progress from G-1 to P-1 within a single year illustrates significant momentum. ZeroAvia’s strategy also involves parallel certification with the UK Civil Aviation Authority for the complete ZA600 hydrogen-electric powertrain. By engaging with both US and UK regulators, the company is positioning itself for global market access and contributing to the harmonization of emerging standards for electric and hydrogen-powered aircraft.
“The FAA’s willingness to engage deeply with novel propulsion technologies through specialized certification pathways signals a regulatory commitment to enabling the transition toward sustainable aviation while maintaining stringent safety standards.”
The 600kW EPS developed by ZeroAvia features four 200kW continuous power bidirectional inverters, which convert DC power from batteries or fuel cells into AC power for the direct drive electric motor. This modular architecture supports fault tolerance and scalability, allowing for redundancy and adaptation to various aircraft types, including fixed-wing, rotorcraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Key technical innovations include the system’s bidirectional energy recovery, which enhances efficiency by recapturing energy during descent or braking. The direct drive motor design eliminates the need for reduction gearboxes, reducing maintenance and improving reliability. The EPS is engineered to operate at up to 2,200 rpm, with specific power characteristics that meet or exceed aviation requirements for commercial operations.
ZeroAvia’s EPS is intended for both retrofit and new-build applications. For example, the system is central to the company’s Partnerships with Textron Aviation to retrofit the Cessna Grand Caravan, a widely used utility aircraft, with zero-emission propulsion. The system’s versatility also allows ZeroAvia to offer it as a standalone product to other aircraft developers, expanding its reach beyond integrated hydrogen-electric solutions.
ZeroAvia’s market strategy is built on a combination of direct powertrain integration and component-level sales. The company has secured nearly 2,000 engine pre-orders, representing over $10 billion in potential revenue, from major Airlines including Alaska, American, and United Airlines. These pre-orders reflect strong industry confidence in both the technology and its commercial viability.
The partnership with Textron Aviation for a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) on the Cessna Grand Caravan is particularly significant. With over 2,600 Grand Caravans in operation, the retrofit market offers a clear path to early commercial deployment. RVL Aviation’s announcement as the UK launch customer for the world’s first hydrogen-electric commercial service route further validates the readiness of ZeroAvia’s technology for real-world operations.
Beyond initial launch customers, ZeroAvia’s technology is positioned for broader adoption in cargo and passenger operations, especially in regional aviation where retrofitting existing fleets can deliver immediate environmental and economic benefits. The company’s component offering strategy, launched in May 2024, also opens opportunities in the growing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) and UAV markets.
“RVL Aviation, based at East Midlands Airport, will operate Cessna Grand Caravan 208B aircraft retrofitted with ZeroAvia’s hydrogen-electric ZA600 powertrain, marking a major step toward zero-emission commercial flight.”
ZeroAvia’s rapid progress has been underpinned by robust financial support. The company raised $116 million in Series C funding in November 2023, later extended to $150 million in September 2024. Investors include Airbus, Barclays Sustainable Impact Capital, NEOM Investment Fund, the UK Infrastructure Bank, and the Scottish National Investment Bank, among others. Strategic investment from Airbus provides not only capital but also access to aerospace expertise and global industry networks. Government-backed investments from the UK and Scotland reflect public policy support for clean aviation technologies and manufacturing development. Major airline investors bring operational insights and early adoption potential, further aligning ZeroAvia’s development with market needs.
The diversity of investors, ranging from technology funds like Breakthrough Energy Ventures to major airlines and infrastructure banks, demonstrates broad-based confidence in ZeroAvia’s approach and the potential for hydrogen-electric propulsion to disrupt the aviation sector.
The global electric aircraft market is projected to experience robust growth, driven by urban air mobility initiatives, rising fuel costs, and increasing regulatory pressure to reduce emissions. However, the path to commercialization is challenging, as evidenced by recent setbacks among hydrogen aviation startups and delays in large-scale projects.
ZeroAvia’s focus on regulatory certification and commercial partnerships distinguishes it from competitors who may have advanced technology but lack clear market entry strategies. The company’s dual-track approach, targeting both retrofit and new-build markets, provides resilience and flexibility in a rapidly evolving industry landscape.
Industry trends toward sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) offer near-term emissions reductions but do not achieve the zero-emission performance of hydrogen-electric systems. ZeroAvia’s technology, if successfully deployed, could complement or surpass SAFs in the long run, particularly as hydrogen infrastructure matures and regulatory incentives align with net-zero goals.
“The company’s progression from G-1 to P-1 Issue Paper with the FAA demonstrates regulatory momentum, while partnerships with established aviation companies like Textron Aviation and launch customers like RVL Aviation provide commercial validation.”
Despite its achievements, ZeroAvia faces significant challenges. The development of hydrogen infrastructure at airports is a major bottleneck, requiring coordination with energy suppliers, regulators, and airport operators. The certification process, though advancing, still demands extensive testing and validation before commercial service can begin.
Market acceptance will depend on demonstrating both environmental benefits and economic advantages. While ZeroAvia projects lower operating costs due to cheaper fuel and reduced maintenance, these claims must be substantiated through operational experience. Initial capital costs and the need for specialized training and safety protocols also present hurdles for widespread adoption.
Looking ahead, the success of ZeroAvia’s market introduction will likely influence investor confidence, regulatory approaches, and the broader adoption of hydrogen-electric propulsion. The company’s execution over the next few years will be critical not only for its own prospects but for the future trajectory of sustainable aviation as a whole. ZeroAvia’s achievement of the FAA P-1 Issue Paper for its 600kW electric propulsion system is a landmark in the march toward zero-emission aviation. The regulatory progress, technical innovation, and strong commercial partnerships position the company as a leader in the transition to sustainable flight. The rapid progression from G-1 to P-1 within a single year reflects both the company’s execution and the increasing readiness of regulators to support transformative technologies.
While challenges remain, especially around infrastructure, certification, and market acceptance, ZeroAvia’s momentum is undeniable. Its success will not only affect its own fortunes but could set the stage for the broader adoption of hydrogen-electric propulsion and a new era in aviation. The coming years will be decisive, as the industry watches to see whether ZeroAvia can deliver on its promise of cleaner, more efficient air travel.
What is the significance of the FAA P-1 Issue Paper for ZeroAvia? What aircraft will use ZeroAvia’s 600kW electric propulsion system? How is ZeroAvia’s technology different from battery-electric aircraft? What are the main challenges facing ZeroAvia? When could ZeroAvia’s technology enter commercial service?
ZeroAvia Achieves Critical FAA Certification Milestone with P-1 Issue Paper for Revolutionary 600kW Electric Aviation Propulsion System
Background and Company Origins in the Electric Aviation Revolution
The P-1 Issue Paper Milestone and Regulatory Pathway
Technical Specifications and Applications of the 600kW Electric Propulsion System
Market Position and Commercial Prospects
Funding and Financial Backing
Industry Context and Competitive Landscape
Challenges and Future Outlook
Conclusion
FAQ
The P-1 Issue Paper documents the special conditions required for certifying ZeroAvia’s 600kW electric propulsion system in the US. It is a critical regulatory milestone that moves the company closer to commercial deployment.
The system is designed for aircraft up to 20 seats, including retrofits of the Cessna Grand Caravan and potential applications in fixed-wing, rotorcraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles.
ZeroAvia uses hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity, offering higher energy density and longer range compared to battery-electric systems. The only emission is water, making it a true zero-emission solution.
Key challenges include developing hydrogen infrastructure at airports, completing regulatory certification, achieving market acceptance, and ensuring economic viability for operators.
If certification and infrastructure development proceed as planned, ZeroAvia’s technology could enter commercial service as early as 2025-2026.
Sources
Photo Credit: ZeroAvia – Montage
Technology & Innovation
Joby Aviation and Metropolis Develop 25 US Vertiports for eVTOL Launch
Joby Aviation partners with Metropolis Technologies to retrofit parking garages into 25 vertiports across US cities, supporting a 2026 eVTOL commercial launch.
This article is based on an official press release from Joby Aviation.
Joby Aviation has announced a significant infrastructure partnership with Metropolis Technologies to develop a network of 25 vertiports across the United States. The collaboration aims to repurpose existing parking infrastructure into “mobility hubs” to support the commercial launch of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
According to the company’s announcement, the partnership will leverage Metropolis’s extensive portfolio of parking facilities to create takeoff and landing sites in key metropolitan areas. By retrofitting existing structures rather than building new terminals from the ground up, Joby intends to accelerate the deployment of its air taxi service, which is currently targeting a commercial launch in 2026.
The initiative addresses one of the most critical challenges in the Urban Air Mobility (UAM) sector: the “last mile” connection. The integration of ground and air travel is designed to offer passengers a seamless transition from their vehicles to Joby’s aircraft, utilizing advanced artificial intelligence to streamline the process.
The core strategy of this partnership involves identifying and upgrading sites within Metropolis’s network, which expanded significantly following its recent acquisition of SP+. With access to over 4,200 parking facilities, the companies plan to select prime locations in high-density urban centers such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York City.
Joby Aviation stated that this retrofit approach offers a distinct advantage over constructing standalone vertiports. By utilizing the top decks of existing parking garages, the partners can reduce upfront construction costs and navigate zoning requirements more efficiently. These sites will be designed to meet the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Engineering Brief 105A, which outlines the specific design standards for vertiport geometry, marking, and load-bearing capacity.
“For air taxis to deliver on their promise of seamless urban travel, they must connect directly with the existing ground transportation ecosystem. By leveraging existing parking infrastructure… we can maximize the value of those sites without needing to build infrastructure from scratch.”
, JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and CEO of Joby Aviation
Beyond physical infrastructure, the partnership emphasizes the integration of Metropolis’s proprietary technology. The company utilizes AI-powered computer vision to manage facility access and payments. In the context of air travel, this technology aims to facilitate a “drive-in, fly-out” experience. According to the release, cameras will recognize a passenger’s vehicle upon entry, automatically processing parking fees and initiating the check-in process for their flight. This system is intended to eliminate the need for physical tickets, gates, or kiosks, aligning with the industry’s push for a frictionless passenger experience.
“The real world is the next frontier for AI… We are taking the data and recognition capabilities we’ve built in our network and extending it to air travel, creating the seamless, personalized, and magical experience that is the foundation of the Recognition Economy.”
, Alex Israel, CEO of Metropolis Technologies
While the construction of full vertiports is a longer-term project targeting 2026, the partnership includes immediate operational steps. Metropolis subsidiary Bags Inc. will begin providing VIP baggage handling services for Blade Urban Air Mobility, a partner of Joby Aviation, in New York City. This service will support flights between Manhattan and major airports such as JFK and Newark.
Los Angeles has been identified as a primary market for the initial vertiport rollout. The companies are currently evaluating downtown parking structures that can be adapted to support high-frequency air taxi operations. This focus on Los Angeles aligns with Joby’s broader strategy to establish a foothold in regions with high traffic congestion, where the time-saving value of eVTOL aircraft is most apparent.
We observe that this partnership represents a divergent strategy in the race for UAM infrastructure. While competitors like Archer Aviation have partnered with Atlantic Aviation to electrify existing private aviation terminals (FBOs), Joby is betting on bringing aircraft closer to the consumer’s daily commute via parking garages.
The “retrofit” model proposed by Joby and Metropolis may offer scalability advantages. Parking garages are ubiquitous in city centers, whereas private air terminals are typically located on the periphery at airports. If successful, this approach could allow Joby to penetrate dense urban cores more deeply than competitors relying solely on airport-based infrastructure.
However, we note that retrofitting parking decks presents its own engineering challenges, particularly regarding the structural reinforcement required to handle the weight and dynamic loads of landing aircraft, as well as the installation of high-voltage charging infrastructure in older buildings.
Transforming Parking Garages into Mobility Hubs
Integration of AI Technology
Immediate Rollout and Strategic Markets
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Photo Credit: Joby Aviation
Technology & Innovation
Vertical Aerospace Targets Full VX4 Transition Flight in Early 2026
Vertical Aerospace advances VX4 flight tests with 10 piloted flights completed; full transition now targeted for early 2026 amid regulatory updates.
This article is based on an official press release from Vertical Aerospace and includes analysis based on publicly available financial filings.
On December 19, 2025, Vertical Aerospace released a significant operational update regarding the flight testing of its full-scale VX4 prototype. According to the company, the engineering team has successfully completed 10 piloted test flights since receiving a “Permit to Fly” from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in November. While the company reports expanding the majority of the flight envelope, the critical milestone of full piloted transition, switching completely from vertical hover to wing-borne cruise, has not yet been achieved.
The Bristol-based eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) manufacturer stated that weather constraints and limited testing windows have pushed the target for full transition into early 2026. This update comes shortly after the company unveiled “Valo,” its production-intent aircraft, earlier this month.
Since resuming flight activities on November 13, 2025, Vertical Aerospace reports that the VX4 prototype has undergone rigorous testing to validate its handling and safety systems. The press release highlights that the aircraft has successfully performed acceleration and deceleration maneuvers and tested various tilt positions for its rotors.
According to Vertical Aerospace, the Test-Flights campaign has achieved several specific technical milestones:
The testing program has successfully validated the in-flight deployment and stowing of rear propellers, propeller spin-up during wing-borne flight, and “prop-hold” functionality.
The company notes that the “majority of the transition envelope” has now been expanded, leaving only the final 10% of the tilt transition untested. The completion of this final phase is required to demonstrate the aircraft’s ability to fly purely on wing lift, a defining characteristic of viable eVTOL technology.
Alongside the flight test updates, Vertical Aerospace announced a regulatory achievement involving the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). The Regulations has granted the company new privileges allowing it to approve its own “Flight Conditions” and issue Permits to Fly for specific scenarios.
In the press release, the company framed this development as a signal of regulatory confidence in their design and engineering processes. This authorization is expected to streamline future testing phases by reducing the administrative lead time required for certain flight approvals. It is important for industry observers to distinguish between the aircraft currently undergoing testing and the product Vertical Aerospace intends to bring to market. The operational update refers specifically to the VX4 prototype, which serves as a testbed for data gathering. However, the commercial future of the company rests on “Valo,” the production model unveiled around December 10, 2025.
While the VX4 validates the core physics and control laws, Valo features a redesigned airframe, updated wing architecture, and an under-floor battery system. The delay in the VX4’s full transition means that critical aerodynamic data needed to finalize Valo’s Certification profile, targeted for 2028, will not be fully available until the prototype completes its envelope expansion in 2026.
The delay of the full transition flight places Vertical Aerospace behind its primary United States competitors in terms of technical milestones. Competitors such as Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation successfully completed full piloted transition flights earlier in 2025. Furthermore, the European market saw a significant contraction earlier this year with the reported insolvency of Lilium in February 2025, highlighting the capital-intensive nature of the sector.
Financial-Results sustainability remains a key focus for Vertical Aerospace. According to the company’s Q3 2025 Business & Strategy Update, Vertical reported a cash position of approximately $117 million. Based on current burn rates, the company projects this capital will fund operations until mid-2026.
With certification slated for 2028, this creates a “funding gap” that the company will need to address. The shift of the transition milestone to 2026 may influence investor sentiment, as the market often looks to technical achievements as validation for further capital injection.
What is the difference between the VX4 and Valo? When will Vertical Aerospace achieve full transition? What is the company’s current financial runway?
Vertical Aerospace Updates VX4 Flight Test Progress; Full Transition Targeted for Early 2026
VX4 Flight Testing Achievements
Regulatory Developments
Strategic Context and Market Position
AirPro News Analysis: The VX4 vs. Valo Distinction
AirPro News Analysis: Financial and Competitive Landscape
Frequently Asked Questions
The VX4 is the current full-scale prototype used for flight testing and validation. Valo is the recently unveiled production-intent aircraft that Vertical Aerospace plans to manufacture commercially, featuring design improvements based on VX4 data.
The company has rescheduled the full piloted transition flight, where the aircraft switches from vertical lift to wing-borne flight, for early 2026, citing weather and scheduling constraints.
As of the Q3 2025 update, Vertical Aerospace holds approximately $117 million in cash, which is projected to sustain operations until mid-2026.
Sources
Photo Credit: Vertical Aerospace
Technology & Innovation
Eve Air Mobility Completes First Flight of Full-Scale eVTOL Prototype
Eve Air Mobility conducted a successful first flight of its full-scale eVTOL prototype in Brazil, validating key systems ahead of 2027 certification.
This article is based on an official press release from Eve Air Mobility.
On December 19, 2025, Eve Air Mobility achieved a critical milestone in the development of its electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The company, a subsidiary of Brazilian aerospace giant Embraer, successfully conducted the first flight of its full-scale prototype at the Embraer test facility in Gavião Peixoto, São Paulo, Brazil.
This uncrewed hover flight validates the fundamental architecture of the aircraft, which utilizes a “Lift + Cruise” configuration distinct from the tilt-rotor designs favored by some competitors. According to the company’s official statement, the test confirmed the functionality of the electric propulsion system and the 5th-generation fly-by-wire controls, performing exactly as computer models had predicted.
While Eve Air Mobility is entering the flight-test phase later than some of its primary rivals, the successful deployment of a full-scale prototype signals the company’s transition from design to execution. With a target Entry into Service (EIS) set for 2027, Eve is leveraging Embraer’s industrial backing to accelerate its Certification program.
The test conducted in Gavião Peixoto was a dedicated hover flight. This specific profile is designed to test the vertical lift capabilities of the aircraft before attempting forward wing-borne flight. The prototype utilized eight dedicated vertical lift rotors to maintain a stable hover, allowing engineers to assess aerodynamic performance and control laws in real-world conditions.
Johann Bordais, CEO of Eve Air Mobility, emphasized the significance of the event in a statement released by the company:
“Today, Eve flew… This flight validates our plan, which has been executed with precision to deliver the best solution for the market.”
Following this successful hover test, the company plans to expand the flight envelope throughout 2026. This will involve transitioning from vertical lift to forward flight, powered by the rear pusher propeller, and testing the aircraft’s fixed wing for cruise efficiency.
The prototype flown represents the configuration intended for commercial certification. Unlike “tilt-rotor” designs that rotate propellers to switch between lift and cruise modes, Eve has opted for a separated “Lift + Cruise” architecture. This design choice prioritizes mechanical simplicity and potentially lower maintenance costs. According to technical specifications released by Eve Air Mobility, the aircraft features:
At AirPro News, we observe that Eve’s successful first flight places it in a unique position within the “race to market.” While competitors like Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation have already logged significant flight hours with full-scale prototypes, including transition flights, Eve’s strategy appears to be one of deliberate, industrial-scale preparation over speed.
The “Lift + Cruise” design philosophy suggests a focus on reliability and operating economics. By avoiding the complex tilting mechanisms found in competitor aircraft, Eve may offer operators a vehicle with fewer moving parts and lower direct maintenance costs. Furthermore, Eve’s relationship with Embraer provides immediate access to a global service and support network, a logistical hurdle that independent Startups must build from scratch.
Despite being arguably the “tortoise” in terms of flight testing timelines, Eve holds the industry’s largest backlog of Letters of Intent (LoI), totaling nearly 3,000 aircraft. This massive order book indicates strong market confidence in Embraer’s ability to deliver a certifiable product.
Looking ahead, Eve Air Mobility has outlined a rigorous schedule for the next two years. The company intends to build five additional conforming prototypes in 2026 to accelerate data collection. These aircraft will be used to accumulate the hundreds of flight hours required for certification authorities.
Luiz Valentini, CTO of Eve, noted the disciplined approach to the upcoming testing phase:
“The prototype behaved as predicted by our models… We will expand the envelope and progress toward transition to wingborne flight in a disciplined manner.”
The company is targeting Type Certification from Brazil’s ANAC in 2027, with concurrent validation sought from the FAA (USA) and EASA (Europe). Commercial deliveries are scheduled to begin immediately following certification.
Eve Air Mobility Successfully Completes First Flight of Full-Scale eVTOL Prototype
Flight Details and Technical Validation
Aircraft Specifications: The “Eve-100”
AirPro News Analysis: The Strategic Landscape
Future Roadmap: Certification and Service
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Photo Credit: Embraer
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