Clean aviation innovator signs MOU with leading provider of MRO and Aviation Maintenance Services

[Kemble, UK & Hollister, CA: April 9^th, 2023] — ZeroAvia today announced that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with FEAM Aero surrounding retrofit, maintenance, and technical support.

With ZeroAvia’s first hydrogen-electric engine design for 9-19 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.

As part of the agreement the parties will explore how FEAM Aero’s 50+ locations can support MRO services for operators leveraging ZeroAvia’s technology. FEAM Aero already actively service fleets relevant to ZeroAvia’s second powertrain design for 30-90 seat aircraft, including Dash 8 and CRJ aircraft.

As part of the agreement, FEAM Aero will explore establishing a green hydrogen production facility at one of its locations in the Unites States in partnership with ZeroAvia, enabling the support of early retrofit, testing and training.

James Peck, Chief Customer Officer, ZeroAvia, said: “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. 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.”

Dan Allawat, Chief Strategy Officer, 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.”

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.

About ZeroAvia

ZeroAvia is working to deliver the clean future of flight for the entirety of aviation by enabling electric propulsion. With a primary focus on developing hydrogen-electric (fuel cell-powered) engines, ZeroAvia has submitted its first powertrain for up to 20 seat planes for certification with a target of the end of 2025 and is working on a larger powertrain for 30–90 seat aircraft by 2027. Founded in California and now with thriving teams in Everett, WA and the United Kingdom, ZeroAvia has secured experimental certificates to test its engines in three separate testbed aircraft with the FAA and CAA and passed significant flight test milestones. The company has signed a number of key engineering partnerships with major aircraft OEMs and has nearly 2,000 pre-orders for engines from a number of the major global airlines, with future revenue potential over $10bn. For more, please visit ZeroAvia.com, follow @ZeroAvia on Facebook, Twitter/X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube. 

About FEAM Aero

FEAM Aero is the largest leading provider of aircraft line maintenance services in the United States. FEAM Aero has maintenance bases at 52 locations globally, including two hangar facilities, and employs a growing workforce of over 1,500 Aircraft maintenance technicians and engineers. Over the years, FEAM Aero has diversified its MRO portfolio to include line maintenance, technical training, global AOG support, technical support services, and base maintenance. Our full line of services ensures our customers meet their mission and goals and mitigate AOG ground time. FEAM Aero holds EASA/FAA Maintenance Organization Approvals and approvals from several other domestic and international aviation regulatory authorities. For more information, please visit www.feam.aero