Page 27 - 15th july 2024

SUSTAINABLE AVIATION

American Airlines

partners with ZeroAvia

for Hydrogen Engines

American Airlines expands partnership with
ZeroAvia for Hydrogen-Electric Engines, setting
course for Sustainable Aviation future.
merican Airlines recently announced a conditional
Apurchase agreement with clean aviation innovator
ZeroAvia. The agreement is for 100 hydrogen-electric
engines designed to power regional jet aircraft, emit-
ting only water vapor. Additionally, American has
increased its investment in ZeroAvia, having initially
invested in 2022 and participated in the company’s Se-
ries C financing round. This engine agreement follows
a Memorandum of Understanding between the compa-
nies announced in 2022.
ZeroAvia is developing hydrogen-electric engines
for commercial aircraft, aiming for nearly zero inflight
emissions. The company is currently flight testing a
prototype for a 20-seat plane and designing engines
for larger aircraft like the Bombardier CRJ700, used by
American on specific regional routes.
Robert Isom, CEO of American Airlines, said, “Advanc-
ing the transition of commercial aviation to a low-car-
bon future requires investments in promising tech-
nologies, including alternate forms of propulsion. 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.”
American’s investment in novel engine technol-
ogy supports its goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.
Furthermore, the airline’s extensive fleet renewal effort
has resulted in the youngest mainline fleet among U.S.
carriers, boosting fuel efficiency. Additionally, American
has invested in sustainable aviation fuel with Infinium
and carbon removal technology with Graphyte.
Val Miftakhov, ZeroAvia Founder and CEO, said, “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 technol-
ogy roadmap. The solutions that can serve the largest
airlines are within reach, and the clean future of flight
is coming.”
ZeroAvia’s hydrogen-electric engines utilize hydro-
gen in fuel cells to generate electricity. Additionally,
this electricity powers electric motors that drive the
aircraft’s propellers. The only emission during flight is
low-temperature water vapor. Moreover, the stream-
lined electrical systems have the potential to provide
substantial cost savings

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