UK Backs ZeroAvia to Fly the First Liquid Hydrogen Testbed in Commercial Aircraft
- HYSKY Society
- Jul 4
- 3 min read
Liquid Hydrogen Milestone for Aviation Innovation
Aviation propulsion pioneer ZeroAvia has secured a major UK Government grant to develop and flight-test a cutting-edge liquid hydrogen fuel system. The £10.8 million LH-SIFT project will culminate in the world’s first commercial airframe flight using liquid hydrogen—an essential step toward scalable, long-range zero-emission aviation.
Developing the World’s First Liquid Hydrogen Testbed
Supported by the Aerospace Technology Institute, the Department for Business and Trade, and Innovate UK, the Liquid Hydrogen System Integration & Flight Test (LH-SIFT) project will see ZeroAvia and partners Green Resource Engineering and Gas & Liquid Controls design and test a lightweight Liquid Hydrogen Management System (LHMS) on a Dornier 228 aircraft.
The LHMS includes an innovative metallic cryogenic tank and subsystems for hydrogen filling, storage, vaporization, and distribution. This breakthrough will also establish the first liquid hydrogen flight testbed on a commercial aircraft, providing the aerospace industry with a vital platform to accelerate development of cryogenic fuel components.
ZeroAvia’s Chief Strategy Officer James McMicking emphasized the milestone: “Liquid hydrogen is needed to achieve the volumetric and gravimetric energy density required by larger zero-emission aircraft that no other solution offers... This project will drive further evolution of liquid hydrogen technology and provide the capability to test and validate these in–flight and through refueling operations.”
Industry Minister Sarah Jones hailed the program as pivotal to the UK’s aerospace future, saying it “will turbocharge growth in our advanced manufacturing and defence sectors… bringing new high-skilled jobs to every corner of the UK.”
The grant builds on ZeroAvia’s recent progress, including its Hydrogen Centre of Excellence in Glasgow and advancements in certifying hydrogen-electric powertrains for 10–80 seat aircraft. The LH-SIFT project strengthens the company’s leadership in liquid hydrogen integration at its Gloucestershire base.
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(Top image: Credit — ZeroAvia)
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FAQ: ZeroAvia and Liquid Hydrogen in Aviation
What is the LH-SIFT project?
LH-SIFT (Liquid Hydrogen System Integration & Flight Test) is a UK Government-supported initiative led by ZeroAvia to develop a lightweight liquid hydrogen fuel system and test it in flight using a commercial aircraft.
Why is liquid hydrogen important for aviation?
Liquid hydrogen stores more energy by volume than gaseous hydrogen, making it essential for powering larger zero-emission aircraft over longer distances.
What aircraft is ZeroAvia using for the flight test?
ZeroAvia will integrate the liquid hydrogen system into a Dornier 228 aircraft as the testbed for in-flight trials.
Who are ZeroAvia’s partners in the project?
ZeroAvia is working with Green Resource Engineering and Gas & Liquid Controls on subsystems for hydrogen fill, feed, vent, and vaporization.
How does this project benefit the UK?
It boosts the UK’s leadership in hydrogen aviation, supports job creation, and strengthens supply chain capabilities in advanced aerospace manufacturing.
What are the goals of ZeroAvia's hydrogen powertrains?
ZeroAvia is working to certify a 600kW gaseous hydrogen-electric powertrain for 10–20 seat aircraft and developing a larger ZA2000 version for 40–80 seat aircraft.
What challenges does liquid hydrogen present?
Handling liquid hydrogen requires maintaining cryogenic temperatures of around -253°C, demanding advanced insulation and fuel system technologies.
Where is ZeroAvia based in the UK?
ZeroAvia’s main UK facility is located in Gloucestershire, with additional operations including a Hydrogen Centre of Excellence in Glasgow.
When will the liquid hydrogen flight tests begin?
Specific dates are yet to be confirmed, but the grant aims to enable rapid system development and integration for near-term testing.
How does LH-SIFT advance hydrogen aviation globally?
It provides a reusable flight platform for testing cryogenic components, accelerating global adoption of liquid hydrogen in commercial aviation.
Join HYSKY Connect: The Hub for Hydrogen Aviation Leaders
HYSKY Connect is a premier membership network for professionals, innovators, and companies driving the hydrogen aviation revolution. It's more than a membership—it's a gateway to exclusive benefits, strategic visibility, and meaningful collaboration within the hydrogen aviation ecosystem.
HYSKY Connect VIP Membership Includes:
Complimentary sponsorship of FLYING HY 2025
Company listing in the HYSKY Connect member database
Discounts on HYSKY summits and educational programs
Direct messaging access to other members
Complimentary legal and technical consultations
Ongoing visibility across HYSKY media, events, and website
To become a HYSKY Connect VIP: https://connect.hysky.org/
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