ZeroAvia is developing hydrogen-fueled engines for commercial aircraft, and has successfully completed flight tests of electric aircraft in the US and in the UK (see our 2021 interview with CEO and founder Val Miftakhov).
Now the company has secured a conditional agreement from American Airlines to purchase 100 hydrogen-electric engines intended to power regional jet aircraft. The two companies announced a memorandum of understanding in 2022.
American has also increased its investment in ZeroAvia—the airline made its first investment in ZeroAvia in 2022 and has now participated in the company’s Series C financing round.
ZeroAvia’s hydrogen-electric engines use hydrogen in fuel cells to generate electricity, which is then used to power electric motors to turn the aircraft’s propellers. According to the company, the only inflight emission is low-temperature water vapor, and the lower-intensity electrical systems have the potential to offer significant cost savings.
ZeroAvia is currently flight-testing a prototype for a 20-seat plane, and designing an engine for larger aircraft such as the Bombardier CRJ700, which American operates on certain regional routes.
“Advancing the transition of commercial aviation to a low-carbon future requires investments in promising technologies, including alternate forms of propulsion,” said American CEO Robert Isom. “This announcement will help accelerate the development of technologies needed to power our industry.”
“American is supporting our mission of innovation for clean aircraft propulsion, and it is a good signal that ZeroAvia is delivering on our technology roadmap,” said Val Miftakhov. “The solutions that can serve the largest airlines are within reach, and the clean future of flight is coming.”
Source: ZeroAvia
