Mehair (Mumbai International) has placed a tentative order for up to twenty ZA600 hydrogen engines from ZeroAvia to convert its fleet of Cessna (single turboprop) C208s into zero-emission aircraft. The Indian seaplane operator plans to grow its network, including adding operations to paved runways.
"Operating under the highly successful UDAN [government subsidisation] scheme, amphibian and other small-wheeled aircraft can provide the much-needed last-mile connectivity by bringing in a seamless network of runways and waterways, all the while offering an exceptional experience for passengers and boosting local economies. Aligning with the government's vision of sustainable aviation, we believe we need to find sustainable ways to power our operations in the future, and we're excited by what ZeroAvia's technology offers," Managing Director Siddharth Verma enthused.
ZeroAvia aims to certify the ZA600 engine by the end of 2025. Instead of developing a new airframe, the start-up focuses on designing hydrogen-electric, zero-emission engines retrofittable to existing, already certified types. It is currently using two Do228-200s and one DHC-8-Q400 for tests. The latter is sourced from Alaska Air Group, one of ZeroAvia's investors.
Mehair has tentatively ordered up to fifty PHA-ZA 100 electric seaplanes from Swiss manufacturer Jekta. The carrier launched in 2011 and currently operates float-equipped C208 Grand Caravans on scheduled flights between Port Blair and Havelock Island in the Andamans. It also plies charter and sightseeing flights.
