Stockton Metropolitan Airport has confirmed that ZeroAvia, a company focused on hydrogen-electric aviation technology, will establish a research and development facility at the airport.
The initiative will concentrate on liquid hydrogen refueling systems, contributing to efforts to reduce aviation-related emissions.
Following approval from the Board of Supervisors, ZeroAvia secured a lease agreement to begin operations at Stockton Metropolitan Airport. The new facility will support the development and testing of hydrogen refueling technology for aircraft, as well as heavy-duty applications.
Richard Sokol, Airport Director said:The arrival of ZeroAvia at Stockton Metropolitan Airport is a positive step forward for our airport and the entire Stockton region. As we look toward the future of aviation, we recognise the importance of supporting and collaborating with companies that are making tangible strides in green energy. ZeroAvia's work will contribute to a more sustainable transportation industry, and we look forward to supporting their work here at the Stockton Metropolitan Airport.
The project is supported by the California Energy Commission (CEC) and focuses on designing, constructing, and testing rapid liquid hydrogen refueling vehicles. This research aims to improve energy efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and refueling speeds, enhancing the commercial potential of hydrogen-powered aircraft.
ZeroAvia has previously carried out flight tests with hydrogen-electric powertrains in California and recently achieved a regulatory milestone with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for its 600kW electric propulsion system.
ZeroAvia’s CEO, Val Miftakhov said:Stockton Metropolitan Airport provides us with an excellent environment to continue our work on liquid hydrogen refueling systems for hydrogen aircraft in California. Along with high temperature fuel cells and advanced electric motors, liquid hydrogen systems are a critical building block for scaling hydrogen-electric engines into ever larger aircraft. We are leading the innovation in all three areas to deliver a clean future of flight, and our work in Stockton will be a key part of realising that mission.
