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Zero-emission aviation leader ZeroAvia has announced plans to build a major manufacturing facility for its hydrogen-electric powertrains at the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS), near Glasgow Airport.
The project will also establish a Hydrogen Centre of Excellence, marking a significant step in the company's production capabilities and the UK's green aviation ambitions.
The new facility will serve as ZeroAvia's primary location for the production of advanced high-temperature PEM (HTPEM) fuel cell stacks and supporting systems, alongside various powertrain manufacturing and testing operations. With nearly 3,000 full engine and component pre-orders, representing over $10 billion in future revenues, ZeroAvia is expanding its production to meet anticipated demand. This Scottish hub will complement ZeroAvia's Propulsion Center of Excellence in Washington State, which focuses on electric motors and power electronics, and its R&D and aircraft testing centre at Cotswold Airport in Gloucestershire.
The project is being realised with the support of a £9 million Regional Selective Assistance grant from Scottish Enterprise, alongside significant private investment. This builds on a previous £20 million equity investment from the Scottish National Investment Bank and a £32 million investment from the UK National Wealth Fund as part of ZeroAvia's Series C funding round, which was led by Airbus, Barclays Sustainable Impact Capital, and NEOM Investment Fund. The UK Government has also awarded ZeroAvia a total of £18.5 million in R&D funding since 2019, including £10.5 million in 2024 via the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) programme for HTPEM fuel cell development.
Scotland's First Minister John Swinney and UK Government Secretary of State for Scotland Ian Murray officially launched the new project at Glasgow Airport alongside ZeroAvia CEO Val Miftakhov.
First Minister John Swinney said: "Scotland has the skills, the talent and the innovation to be at the forefront of efforts to tackle the climate emergency while developing significant new opportunities to grow the economy. ZeroAvia's decision to establish a base in Scotland – creating 350 highly-skilled jobs in the process – is the perfect illustration of Scotland's growing reputation in the global transition to net zero. By setting out a strategic vision in priority areas such as hydrogen, we are sending a clear statement to investors and businesses that Scotland is at the heart of the green energy revolution. The Hydrogen Centre of Excellence will be at the forefront of fuel cell technology and offers a hugely promising and exciting proposition for sustainable aviation."
Val Miftakhov, Founder & Chief Executive, ZeroAvia, highlighted Scotland's advantages: "Scotland has some unique advantages for ZeroAvia with strong aerospace and engineering skills, a burgeoning hydrogen sector and a clear aviation strategy with potential for early adoption of zero-emission flights. The aviation industry is on the cusp of the biggest transformation since the advent of the jet age, with entirely new propulsion systems set to power the next era of aviation – cleaner flights, better economics and better experiences for all. With this new facility, Scotland has a big role to play in driving this transformation. We welcome the grant award from Scottish Enterprise and the support of our equity investors that has enabled us to move into another phase of manufacturing readiness as we progress towards certification of our first engines."
Scottish Secretary Ian Murray added: "Crucial investment from the UK Government is helping to develop the fuel cell technology that will be manufactured here in Scotland at this new facility. It will create and sustain hundreds of skilled Scottish jobs, help achieve our net zero goals, and boost the economy. This is a key part of our Plan for Change."
The Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS) is a collaborative project between Renfrewshire Council and Buccleuch Property, aiming to establish Renfrewshire as a hub for manufacturing innovation. ZeroAvia plans to advance the facility's planning in the coming months and will locate team members at the adjacent National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS).
