ZeroAvia announced a four-party agreement to develop commercial routes using its H₂-electric powertrain systems on routes from Skellefteå Airport in Northeast Sweden. As part of the agreement, ZeroAvia will work with the airport, the municipal energy company Skellefteå Kraft and Braathens Regional Airlines to demonstrate flights and explore launching commercial operations.

Braathens Regional Airlines, one of the largest domestic operators in Sweden, plans to provide aircraft for future demonstrations and to explore commercial routes. The partners will examine the potential for operating a range of regional aircraft on commercial passenger routes using both ZeroAvia’s ZA600 powertrain, designed for 9–19 seat aircraft with a 2025 launch target, and its ZA2000, designed for 40–80 seat aircraft (such as ATR and Dash 8 families), with a plan for entry into service by 2027. Braathens Regional Airlines currently operates 14 ATR-72 aircraft on routes across Sweden, Finland and Denmark and will in the coming months start up charter flights operating 8 Airbus 319/320.

Skellefteå Airport is one of the ten largest airports in Sweden in terms of domestic flight operations. In conjunction with the partners, the airport will investigate the operational infrastructure required to support the H₂-powered flights and opportunities for further decarbonization presented by green H₂.

Skellefteå Kraft has deep experience of renewable generation in the region, with hydroelectric power stations in operation and the Blaiken onshore wind farm as part of its portfolio. The energy company will analyze the potential for H₂ production and supply as part of the project with ZeroAvia.

H₂-electric propulsion promises lower operating costs and zero-emission flights for airlines, as well as reduced air and noise pollution around airport locations. These benefits can in turn mean greater use of regional air travel, increasing productivity and connectivity and providing a boost for regional economies.

The project in Sweden is further traction for ZeroAvia’s plans to introduce its zero-emission propulsion technology on regional routes over the next few years, with partnerships with Rotterdam the Hague Airport in the Netherlands, Edmonton International Airport in Canada, and AGS and Birmingham Airports already in place.

The company has also secured more than 1,500 provisional orders for its H₂-electric powertrains over the course of the last 18 months, including deals with American Airlines, United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Red Sea Development Company, Ravn Alaska, MONTE, Rose Cay, ASL Ireland and several other operators and lessors.