Government green aviation investment could deliver 350 jobs

Investment from two Scottish Government-backed agencies in a green aviation firm could result in 350 jobs for the country.

Scottish Enterprise has invested £9 million in ZeroAvia, following a £20 million injection by the Scottish National Investment Bank (SNIB) last year.

The UK Government’s National Wealth Fund has also invested £32 million in the company, which has been awarded £18.5 million in UK-wide research and development cash since 2019.

As a result, the US-based company will build its Hydrogen Centre for Excellence, which will produce fuel cells for its hydrogen-electric engines, in Renfrewshire.

The firm hopes an engine that can power a 20-seat plane will enter service next year, with further work for 40-80-seat vehicles planned.

First Minister John Swinney will visit Glasgow Airport on Wednesday to meet representatives of the firm.

“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,” he said ahead of the visit.

“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.

“Attracting inward investment is critical to economic growth and we will continue to work with Scottish Development International and other partners bring more high-quality jobs to Scotland.

“By setting out a strategic vision in priority areas such as the 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.”

Scottish secretary Ian Murray said: “Tens of millions of pounds of 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.

“ZeroAvia’s expansion in Renfrewshire underlines everything that our Brand Scotland campaign champions – promoting Scotland’s goods, services and skilled workforce worldwide.

“I’m delighted to see this project move forward. It is a perfect example of the UK and Scottish governments working together to drive innovation and manufacturing in Scotland.”

While Val Miftakhov, the founder and chief executive of ZeroAvia, said Scotland has “some unique advantages”.

“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,” he said.

“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.