Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Aerospace
  • /
  • American Airlines commits to 100 ZeroAvia hydrogen-electric engines

Aerospace

American Airlines commits to 100 ZeroAvia hydrogen-electric engines

American Airlines today announced that it has entered into a conditional purchase agreement with clean aviation innovator ZeroAvia for 100 hydrogen-electric engines intended to power regional jet aircraft with zero inflight emissions save for water vapour.

Image courtesy
 
In addition, American has increased its investment in ZeroAvia. American made its first investment in ZeroAvia in 2022 and has also now participated in the company’s Series C financing round. The engine agreement follows the Memorandum of Understanding the companies announced in 2022.

Advertisement
ODU RT

 
ZeroAvia is developing hydrogen-electric (fuel cell-powered) engines for commercial aircraft, which offer the potential for close to zero inflight emissions. The company is 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’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.”
Advertisement
ODU RT

 
The investment and conditional commitment to purchase novel engine technology contributes to American’s aggressive goal to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. In recent years, American has undertaken the most extensive fleet renewal effort in the history of commercial aviation, which currently gives it the youngest mainline fleet of any major US network carrier and improves fuel efficiency. American has made industry-leading investments in sustainability, including finalising an offtake agreement with Infinium, a producer of next-generation low-carbon sustainable aviation fuel and becoming the first customer of Graphyte’s innovative and permanent carbon removal process.
 
Val Miftakhov, Founder & CEO, ZeroAvia 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 technology 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 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, and the lower intensity electrical systems have the potential to offer significant cost savings.
 

 

Advertisement
PTC PTC
Skyports acquires Redbird Aero

Aerospace

Skyports acquires Redbird Aero

17 April 2025

Skyports Drone Services (Skyports) has acquired Redbird Aero, Australia’s leading large cargo drone operator.

Farnborough Airport voted top FBO in Europe

Aerospace

Farnborough Airport voted top FBO in Europe

17 April 2025

Farnborough Airport has today announced that it has been voted as Europe’s number one FBO (Fixed Base Operator) in the 2025 Professional Pilot PRASE Survey, marking an outstanding 18 years in the top spot.

Birmingham Airport has record year

Aerospace

Birmingham Airport has record year

17 April 2025

Birmingham Airport (BHX) had a record year in 2024/25 welcoming over 13 million passengers, marking a new peak for the transport hub.

Unifi secures Oxford Airport ground handling and security contracts

Aerospace Security

Unifi secures Oxford Airport ground handling and security contracts

17 April 2025

Unifi has secured its first business aviation ground handling contract and its third Fixed Base Operation/FBO security contract in the UK at London Oxford Airport, marking a major expansion of its services and a new milestone in its global growth.

Advertisement
ODU RT
NATS and ANSPs to drive sustainable aviation through GAIN

Aerospace

NATS and ANSPs to drive sustainable aviation through GAIN

16 April 2025

Green Aviation Insights (GAIN), a novel tool developed by NATS in collaboration with leading Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) – CAAM, skeyes and AZANS officially launches today.

Southend Airport wins Best Route Development & Marketing award at Routes Europe 2025

Aerospace

Southend Airport wins Best Route Development & Marketing award at Routes Europe 2025

15 April 2025

Southend Airport has won the award for Best Route Development & Marketing in the airports under five million passengers category at this year’s Routes Europe Awards in Seville, Spain.

Advertisement
ODU RT