Itochu-backed ZeroAvia aims for first hydrogen-electric commercial flight

TOKYO/CIRENCESTER, U.K. — California-based startup ZeroAvia is working to bring a hydrogen-powered aircraft engine to market as early as 2026 starting in the U.K, with a potential to expand into Asia in cooperation with Japanese trading house Itochu.

At ZeroAvia’s research and development hub at Cotswold Airport, located about 130 kilometers northwest of central London, a team of around 150 engineers from over 30 countries are working on the technology.