EVERETT — An aerospace company, that started as a small startup seven years ago, has received a federal boost as it continues to expand operations in Everett.
Last week, the Federal Aviation Administration awarded $4.23 million to ZeroAvia — among $38 million total for sustainable aviation projects throughout Washington.
FAA’s “Fueling Aviation’s Sustainable Transition” grant program, established by the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, funded the awards to state projects. The initiative supports the federal goal to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions in the aviation sector by 2050.
“ZeroAvia will use this funding to advance clean electric propulsion technology in our Everett facility,” said Val Miftakhov, CEO and founder of ZeroAvia, in a press release. “It is great to see the Inflation Reduction Act delivering on its promise to tackle decarbonization in hard-to-abate sectors like aviation.”
In April, Gov. Jay Inslee, U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen, D-Everett, U.S. Rep. Suzan DelBene, D-Medina, and county officials attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the opening of ZeroAvia’s Everett facility.
Larsen is the lead Democrat on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
“Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, sustainable aviation is taking off in Washington state,” Larsen said in a press release. “Investing in sustainable aviation fuels and greener technologies is an important step toward reducing aviation emissions and creating more jobs. Congress must continue to partner with innovative companies and the workforce to ensure the United States remains the global leader in cleaner, greener and safer aviation.”
ZeroAvia expects to hire hundreds at its new 136,000-square-foot Propulsion Center of Excellence near Paine Field, as the company scales up production.
Founded in 2017, ZeroAvia employs about 300 people worldwide in Everett, California and the United Kingdom.
ZeroAvia hopes to certify a propulsion system next year for an airplane with up to 20 seats and a 500-mile range, according to the company’s website. In 2027, the company aims to certify a larger powertrain for a 40- to 80-seat plane with a 700-mile range.
Aviation is responsible for 9% of transportation emissions in the United States and 3% of the nation’s greenhouse gas production, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
ZeroAvia’s engine and powertrain are built around renewable hydrogen stored in tanks. During flight, fuel cells convert the stored hydrogen to electricity, powering the airplane’s electric motors.
Water vapor is the system’s only byproduct, the company has said.
Ta’Leah Van Sistine: 425-339-3460; taleah.vansistine@heraldnet.com; Twitter: @TaLeahRoseV.
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