Hydrogen-Powered Aircraft? American Airlines Invests in ZeroAvia

According to the Air Transport Action Group's Waypoint 2050 study released in September 2020, "a range of actions" will be required to assist reduce aviation emissions. Alternative-fuel sources or new technology, such as hydrogen-powered aircraft concepts, are one of several ways to reduce the aviation sector's climate impact. To enact change, widespread industry collaboration must be required.

Aiming to achieve lower fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions, American Airlines announced its investment in ZeroAvia, a developer of hydrogen-electric powertrain technology that aims to “drive emissions-free flying." The amount invested has not yet been disclosed, and the company refuses to clarify which regional aircraft American Airlines plans to convert to hydrogen power. On the other hand, American Airlines seeks to order up to 100 hydrogen-electric engines to power regional jet aircraft with zero emissions, as part of a Memorandum of Understanding.

Hydrogen has the same energy level as kerosene, providing comparable range and performance to current generation aircraft, and allowing for the potential to reduce CO₂ emissions from aviation by up to 50%. 

Presently, ZeroAvia's primary objective is to receive specific approvals for its ground-breaking propulsion technology, which will open the door for hydrogen-electric engines to be used in the future regional aircraft market. 

The hydrogen pioneer company has revealed its various hydrogen-electric engine types and is getting ready to launch test flights for its ZA600 powertrain with a modified Dornier 228. Slated for commercial use by 2024, the ZA600 intends to support up a range of 9 to 19-seat aircraft, has a range of up to 300 miles, and runs on hydrogen gas. According to the firm, the larger powerplant ZA2000, will utilize liquid hydrogen and be ready for sale in 2026. This engine option is the likely option for American Airlines, capable of supporting aircraft with up to 80 passengers on routes and a range of up to 700 miles. 

Founder and CEO of ZeroAvia Val Miftakhov discussed the partnership with American Airlines and commercializing emission-free flying powered by hydrogen, in a statement. "Having support from the world’s largest airline is a strong indication of the progress we’re making on the development of hydrogen-electric, zero-emission flight. We are focused on delivering sustainable travel, and are delighted that American, a visionary leader in the industry, sees ZeroAvia as a part of the future of aviation."

American Airlines has pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2050, and its partnership with ZeroAvia could help boost this goal. In the medium term, American Airlines is trying to promote the use of sustainable aviation fuel, and the Fort Worth, Texas-based airline's 2035 emissions reduction objectives have been validated by the Science Based Targets Initiative.

Similarly, United Airlines announced an investment in ZeroAvia last year, placing an order of 100 hydroelectric engines and acquiring a stake in the engineering corporation. The announcement of an engine order with American Airlines propels ZeroAvia in the North American market, as rising fuel costs pose a challenge to regional carriers in the United States and around the world.