American Airlines has made a conditional commitment for 100 zero emissions hydrogen aero engines from ZeroAvia.
The engine deal will power a future regional aircraft which will have zero carbon emissions but is yet to be designed.
In addition the airline has also increased its funding of ZeroAvia as part of a round of Series C funding by ZeroAvia to further develop its hydrogen-electric fuel cells.
ZeroAvia is currently testing an aero engine for a 20 seat regional jet and capable of being scaled up for larger aircraft.
“Advancing the transition of commercial aviation to a low-carbon future requires investments in promising technologies, including alternate forms of propulsion,” said American’s CEO Robert Isom.
“This announcement will help accelerate the development of technologies needed to power our industry and uphold our commitment to make American a sustainable airline so we can continue to deliver for customers for decades to come.”
“In signing this purchase agreement and furthering its investment, 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 ZeroAvia Founder and CEO Val Miftakhov. “The solutions that can serve the largest airlines are within reach, and the clean future of flight is coming.”
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. The only inflight emission is low-temperature water vapor
