ZeroAvia and Safran have formed a partnership to advance hydrogen-electric propulsion technologies for aviation. The collaboration brings together ZeroAvia’s aerospace fuel cell systems experience with Safran’s work in aircraft propulsion, electrification, fuel cell development, system design and testing.
Initial work will focus on accelerating the maturation of fuel cell electric propulsion technologies for future aviation applications. ZeroAvia and Safran will investigate opportunities to collaborate on advanced high-temperature fuel cells designed to meet the performance requirements of future aircraft.
ZeroAvia’s ZA2000 is a 2 MW to 5 MW modular hydrogen-electric powertrain developed for 40- to 80-seat regional turboprop aircraft. ZeroAvia and Safran will explore collaboration on advanced high-temperature fuel cells for future aviation applications.
High-temperature fuel cell technology forms part of ZeroAvia’s next-generation development portfolio, which also includes liquid hydrogen storage and aerospace power systems. Safran is pursuing its own technology roadmap for high-temperature hydrogen fuel cells as part of its broader work in aircraft electrification and lower-emission propulsion.
“Hydrogen-electric propulsion has the potential to transform aerospace and defense applications, and collaboration is essential to accelerating that transition. By working hand-in-hand with Safran, we are helping to advance technologies that are critical to building a better, cleaner future for flight,” said Christine Ourmières-Widener, Executive Chair of ZeroAvia.
Safran’s recent electrification work includes the ENGINeUS electric motor. In February 2025, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency awarded Safran Electrical & Power the first engine type certificate issued under Special Condition SC E-19, EASA’s certification framework for electric and hybrid propulsion systems.
“Safran has achieved world-leading progress in aerospace electrification, including the world-first certification of our ENGINeUS electric propulsion system. Furthermore, we are pursuing a solid technology roadmap toward the maturation of High-Temperature hydrogen fuel cells for aviation. Collaborating with ZeroAvia is an exciting opportunity to build on these advances, foster synergies, and further drive innovation in zero-emission technologies,” said Éric Dalbiès, Chief Technology Officer of Safran.
Neither company announced a specific aircraft platform, development schedule or financial terms for the partnership. Work will focus on advancing the underlying fuel cell and hydrogen-electric propulsion technologies needed for future aviation applications.
About ZeroAvia
ZeroAvia develops aerospace-grade hydrogen-electric propulsion and power systems for civil and defense applications. Its technology portfolio includes fuel cell power-generation systems, hydrogen-electric powertrains and liquid hydrogen storage technologies. For more information, please click here.
About Safran
Safran operates across the aviation propulsion, aircraft equipment, interiors, defense and space markets. The company employs more than 110,000 people and reported revenue of €31.3 billion in 2025. To learn more, please click here.
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Molly Bakewell Chamberlin is the Founder, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Components Source Network, a 100% woman- and disability-owned B2B publishing and expert marketplace platform serving the global high-tech manufacturing and engineering community. She is the architect, author and developer of the Network’s 11 specialized e-news sites and 11 peer-vetted expert e-marketplaces, including Aerospace Technology Monthly. With more than 25 years of experience in strategic technical marketing, public relations and business development, she is also the Founder and President of Embassy Global, LLC, which has supported more than 200 high-tech industry brands worldwide since 2008. Molly also serves pro bono as Second Vice Chair of the Government Team for the WBENC Forum and is a long-standing advocate for small business, supplier diversity, sustainability and women in STEM. Connect with Molly on LinkedIn.
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