ZeroAvia has signed an MOU with FEAM Aero, the largest leading provider of aircraft line maintenance services in the US, surrounding retrofit, maintenance and technical support. The companies will explore how FEAM Aero's more than 50 locations can support MRO services for operators leveraging ZeroAvia's technology. FEAM Aero already services fleets relevant to ZeroAvia's second powertrain design for 30-90 seat aircraft, including Dash 8 and CRJ aircraft. They will also explore establishing a green hydrogen production facility at one of FEAM Aero's locations in the US to enable the support of early retrofit, testing and training.

With ZeroAvia's first hydrogen-electric engine design for nine-19 seat aircraft already subject to a certification application to regulators and with thousands of powertrain pre-orders in place, the company is preparing a network that can support operators in converting their fleets to zero-emission propulsion systems and then provide the required maintenance support.

Chief customer officer James Peck says: "Fuel cell and electric propulsion systems will keep aircraft flying longer, but the improved economics and drastically reduced environmental impact also means that there will be more flying, so there is a big opportunity for MRO providers in this transition. ZeroAvia needs to partner to build the network that can support customers that are already planning their switch away from combustion engines, and FEAM Aero has an exceptional track record of service and an uncompromising focus on safety and quality, as well as strong alignment with ZeroAvia's values."

FEAM chief strategy officer Dan Allawat adds: "We like to say that aviation is an industry where staying in motion is the only thing that matters, but aviation faces a number of challenges that potentially threaten growth. ZeroAvia is a leading innovator in clean aviation that is rapidly advancing towards certification for a system that can solve some of these challenges, so we're excited to explore what this means for MRO and training in the years to come."

ZeroAvia has been flight testing a prototype of its ZA600 aboard a Dornier 228 aircraft at its UK base in Kemble, Gloucestershire over the last 15 months. Hydrogen-electric engines use hydrogen in fuel cells to generate electricity, which is then used to power electric motors to turn the aircraft's propellers. The only emission is water.