ZeroAvia to establish liquid hydrogen refuelling research facility at Stockton Metropolitan Airport

ZeroAvia, a leader in zero-emission aviation technology, has announced the opening of a research and development facility at Stockton Metropolitan Airport (SCK), focused on liquid hydrogen refuelling. The Board of Supervisors approved the lease on February 11, 2025, marking the beginning of ZeroAvia’s operations at the airport.

Richard Sokol, Airport Director, expressed excitement about the arrival of ZeroAvia, stating, “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.”

Val Miftakhov, CEO of ZeroAvia, highlighted the importance of the location for their operations: “Stockton Metropolitan Airport provides us with an excellent environment to continue our work on liquid hydrogen refuelling 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.”

At the new facility, ZeroAvia will advance a California Energy Commission (CEC)-supported project to design and test rapid liquid hydrogen refuelling vehicles for aviation and heavy-duty applications. This project aims to improve energy performance, cost efficiency, and refuelling speed, supporting the commercial viability of liquid hydrogen-fuelled aircraft.

This development marks a significant step forward in sustainable aviation and demonstrates SCK’s commitment to fostering innovation in green energy solutions.

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