ZeroAvia’s groundbreaking pursuit of sustainable aviation reached a significant milestone this week with the ninth test flight of their Dornier 228 testbed aircraft, powered by their prototype ZA600 powertrain. In a remarkable first, the aircraft ascended to 5,000 feet Mean Sea Level (MSL), sustaining flight for an impressive 20-minute duration.
“Our latest successful test flight represents a giant leap forward in our journey towards green aviation. Reaching an altitude of 5,000 feet is a testament to our team’s relentless innovation and the capabilities of our ZA600 powertrain,” said Gabriele Teofili, Head of Aircraft Integration and Testing at ZeroAvia.
The next step in the testing phase is set to evaluate the powertrain’s maximum endurance. “We’re excited for the final flight of this phase, which will push our powertrain to its limits and demonstrate the true potential of hydrogen-electric propulsion in the aviation industry,” added Rudolf Coertze, CTO Hydrogen at ZeroAvia.
The aircraft’s landmark ascent is a significant stride towards ZeroAvia’s vision of pioneering hydrogen-electric regional jets, which is reflected in the company’s recent partnership with MHIRJ to accelerate the transition to zero-emission commercial aviation.
Furthermore, ZeroAvia’s remarkable achievements and commitment to sustainable aviation were recently acknowledged in a significant way, with the company being named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential Companies of 2023. This recognition underlines the company’s influential role in advancing the sustainability agenda in the aviation industry.
“We’re extremely proud to be recognized by TIME as one of the most influential companies this year. This honor validates our commitment to advancing sustainable aviation and motivates us to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible,” commented Val Miftakhov, CEO of ZeroAvia.
The progress of ZeroAvia’s test flights can be followed on ZeroAvia’s official website.
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