ZeroAvia lands $150M series C to power hydrogen aviation future

In the UK, ZeroAvia, a developer of hydrogen-electric propulsion systems for aircraft, has closed an extended Series C financing round, raising $150 million. This round saw the Scottish National Investment Bank contribute £20 million, joining investors such as American Airlines, IAG, and ITOCHU Corporation. The funding will accelerate certification efforts for ZeroAvia’s first hydrogen-electric powertrain and support the sale of components to other electric aviation firms.

Val Miftakhov, ZeroAvia’s CEO said, “Scotland’s ambitious net zero targets, its strategic focus on hydrogen and its strong existing aerospace skills base make it an attractive place for ZeroAvia’s UK production operations as we scale into a major aerospace manufacturer.”

ZeroAvia’s propulsion technology is designed to decarbonize the aviation industry, focusing on hydrogen-fueled electric engines for regional aircraft. The company has already flight-tested its ZA600 engine, intended for aircraft up to 20 seats, and is developing the larger ZA2000 system, which will power aircraft carrying up to 80 passengers.

The investment will also help establish a manufacturing facility in Scotland, strengthening the local aerospace supply chain and supporting Scotland’s net-zero ambitions. The new site aims to produce engines and components for future electric aircraft, enhancing ZeroAvia’s role in sustainable aviation.