ZeroAvia and Horizon Aircraft plan to explore hydrogen eVTOL propulsion

Last updated: 19 July 2025 14:20

3 Min Read

ZeroAvia-RVL Group Cessna © ZeroAvia

On July 15, 2025, ZeroAvia and Horizon Aircraft announced a collaboration to explore integrating a hydrogen-electric powertrain into a regional eVTOL platform. ZeroAvia is a company mostly focused on sustainable aviation, aiming to reduce emissions, lower costs, and reduce aircraft noise.

ZeroAvia Dornier 228 during 10th flight test of prototype ZA600 engine in July 2023. © ZeroAvia

ZA600 and Cavorite X7

The two companies are studying ZeroAvia’s ZA600 hydrogen-electric powertrain for potential use in Horizon’s Cavorite X7, a hybrid-electric eVTOL under development. The Cavorite X7 is designed for vertical takeoff and landing, using 14 lifting fans embedded in its wings to achieve vertical lift. During the transition from hover to wing-borne flight, sliding panels cover the fans, allowing the aircraft to operate more efficiently in forward flight. The aircraft is capable of both runway and vertical landings.

Val Miftakhov, founder and CEO of ZeroAvia, said Horizon Aircraft is taking a leadership step in exploring hydrogen as a potential propulsion option for the Cavorite X7. Horizon Aircraft has taken a series of tests on a large-scale prototype of the aircraft. The company has completed several large-scale prototype tests, including demonstrations of hover and transitions to wing-borne flight. The company was approved for flight testing from a Canadian regulator and is supported by The US Department of Defence.

ZeroAvia's flight test and aircraft maintenance team celebration of 10th test flight of Dornier 228 testbed in July 2023. — ZeroAvia’s flight test and aircraft maintenance team celebration of 10th test flight of Dornier 228 testbed in July 2023. © ZeroAvia

Further collaboration

Another part of the partnership is to accelerate research into the necessary infrastructure and certification guidelines to unlock a zero-emission pathway for Horizon Aircraft. Brandon Robinson, the CEO and co-founder of Horizon Aircraft made a comment during the announcement. He mentioned how impressed he was with ZeroAvia’s flight demonstrations of hydrogen-electric propulsion systems. He also said he was impressed with the company’s traction with regulators.

Likewise, he mentioned how thankful he was, saying,

“We are thankful for the opportunity to explore hydrogen solutions for the regional air mobility market, which could develop into a viable solution to deliver clean, fast, and highly efficient air travel.”

What are your thoughts on the collaboration between these two companies? Leave your comments below.

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ByJustice Ohue

A writer and aviation journalist with a passion for engineering, storytelling, and the creative arts. Has a genuine interest in biomedical engineering—particularly at the intersection of biology and engineering.