ZeroAvia signs partnership to bring zero-emission flights to Sweden

ZeroAvia has announced a new four party agreement with Skellefteå Airport, Skellefteå Kraft and Braathens Regional Airlines to demonstrate flights and explore the development of commercial routes using its hydrogen-electric powertrain systems on routes from Skellefteå Airport in North East Sweden.

Under the partnership, the partners will examine the potential of operating a range of regional aircraft on commercial passenger routes. This will be done using ZeroAvia’s ZA600 powertrain, designed for 9-19 seat aircraft with a 2025 launch target, as well as its ZA2000 which is designed for 40-80 seat aircraft and plans to be in service by 2027.

“Sweden is one of the most ambitious countries in the world in pursuit of net zero targets for aviation, with an overall fossil fuel-free aspiration by 2045, and planning for all domestic flights to be fossil free by 2030,” said James Peck, Chief Customer Officer, ZeroAvia. “Aviation will become a larger proportion of emissions as other sectors abate, so the country will need to see true zero emission air travel that goes beyond combustion fuels. Bold projects such as the one planned for Skellefteå are crucial in this endeavour.”

Skellefteå Airport will investigate the operational infrastructure required to support hydrogen-powered flight, as well as opportunities for further decarbonisation through green hydrogen.

With a portfolio including hydroelectric power stations and the Blaiken onshore wind farm, Skellefteå Kraft will bring its experience of renewable generation in the region to the partnership, analysing the potential for hydrogen production and supply for the project.

Speaking about its role in the partnership, Joachim Nordin, CEO, Skellefteå Kraft, said: “Skellefteå Kraft wants to contribute to the energy transition for sustainable aviation. We are still in a very early stage regarding hydrogen but think that renewable hydrogen is a possibility and a part of the solution to energy and climate change challenges.”

Ulrika Matsgård, CEO Braathens Regional Airlines agreed: “To achieve our airlines’ ambitious goals to reach net-zero for our international flights by 2045 , we need to speed up the development of technology. We see hydrogen-powered aircraft as one important solution for international flights in Europe,” adding that “it’s also important for us to contribute to initiatives started here in the Nordics.”