FEAM Aero to provide MRO for ZeroAvia’s hydrogen-electric engines

ZeroAvia has signed an agreement with FEAM Aero to look at providing maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), retrofit and technical support for its engines. 

With a first hydrogen-electric engine design for 9-19 seaters, aka ZA600, currently undergoing a certification application, ZeroAvia is taking steps to establish a network to support operators in converting their fleets and then provide continued maintenance support. 

For the past 15 months ZeroAvia has been flight testing a prototype of its ZA600 aboard a Dornier 228 aircraft at its UK base in Kemble, Gloucestershire.

“Fuel cell and electric propulsion systems will keep aircraft flying longer, but the improved economics and drastically reduced environmental impact also mean that there will be more flying, so there is a big opportunity for MRO providers in this transition,” said James Peck, chief customer officer, ZeroAvia.

The only emission from ZeroAvia’s ZA600 hydorgen-electric propulsion system is water. (credit: ZeroAvia)

“ZeroAvia needs to partner to build the network that can support our customers who 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.”

As part of the memorandum of understanding (MoU), the firms will explore how FEAM Aero’s locations — of which there more than 50 — can support MRO services for operators. FEAM already actively service fleets relevant to ZeroAvia’s second powertrain design for 30-90 seat aircraft, including Dash 8 and CRJ aircraft.

Dan Allawat, chief strategy officer at FEAM Aero, said: “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.”

 FEAM Aero is also going to look at establishing a green hydrogen production facility at one of its locations in the US. This would enable the support of early retrofit, testing and training, according to ZeroAvia.